Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Friday 9-9-2022

In This Newsletter:

Jump Start Offer:
Opus One

Beaujolais Super Sale

New Week – New Arrival

Isole e Olena

Matrot

Collector’s Corner:
New Wine Spectator Reviews for Bond & Ulysses

Jump Start Offer:

Opus One

Arriving October 7th

Opus One Proprietary Red Napa Valley 2019 750ml $389 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2019 Opus One is a dense, beautifully layered wine, but it is also quite restrained. That should serve it well in time. Tasted next to the 2018, the 2019 possesses a bit more textural nuance and body, yet it has all the classicism that is such an Opus One signature. Bright floral accents linger on the sublime finish.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97-99 points ” Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Opus One leaps from the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, Morello cherries, mulberries and fresh blackcurrants plus hints of licorice, wilted roses, Sichuan pepper and iron ore. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with juicy black, blue and red fruits, framed by velvety tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling earthy/mineral note. Tasted as a barrel sample, this is a truly magnificent Opus One in the making!”
Jeb Dunnuck 96-98 points “Similarly ruby/purple-hued, the 2019 Opus One is cut from the same cloth as the 2018 yet has a touch more baby fat and opulence, at least as this stage. Beautiful black raspberry, cassis, toasted spice, lead pencil, and subtle oak all make an appearance, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a rounded, layered mouthfeel, impressive tannins, and a great finish. I don’t think it has the same precision as the 2018, but it brings another level of hedonism. It’s another beautiful wine from this team. The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Beaujolais Super Sale

Now Thru Sunday

We’re offering a super price slash on one of your favorite Beaujolais. You loved it at $14/bottle, adored it at $11.90/bottle, now you can fall head over heels at $8.25/bottle by the case. Super case pricing ends Sunday night!

Stephane Aviron Beaujolais-Villages 2018 750ml Was $14, Now $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Stephane Aviron Beaujolais-Villages 2018 750ml $99 special (that’s only $8.25/bottle!)
Frederick Wildman note “Terroir: The Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Villages is sourced from two of the best terroirs of the appellation, both with old vines averaging at least 50 years in age. The vines in the commune of Quincié have sandy, granite soils and the commune of Lantignié has clay and limestone soils with favorable southwest exposure. Vinification: Whole clusters of grapes are fermented, and then macerated for six days to extract characters of fruit and finesse. The wine is aged in cement tanks to retain the purity of the fresh fruit. The wine shows great finesse, elegance and a very ‘easy drinking’ nature.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $19.99/btl

New Week – New Arrival

Oregon

J.C. Somers Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $27 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Croft Vineyard located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is organically farmed and grown in ancient marine sediment soils. We have worked with this vineyard since 1999 and it consistently produces a classic style of Sauvignon Blanc with a purity of fruit, balanced acidity and a focused minerality. Truly one of the top white wine vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley. The Croft Vineyard is located southwest of the Eola Hills near the town of Monmouth. The organically farmed Croft Vineyard is in the foothills of the coast range and grown in ancient marine sediment soils. It is owned by Chancy and Toni Croft and farmed by Lee Croft and I have been working with the Sauvignon Blanc since 1999. The 2004 Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc I made won best white wine of the year in Sunset Magazine and has been a little bit of a cult wine ever since. It is the most distinctive white wine I produce and it is great to continue to work with this magical site. We work with 1 acre of the clone 1 Sauvignon Blanc.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $33.95

France – Champagne

Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut, Champagne 2004 1.5L $519 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Wine & Spirits 98 points “Time has graced this wine, proving the value of Bollinger’s policy of long aging on the lees followed by prompt release after disgorgement. This RD (Recently Disgorged) 2004 is a joyous wine, staunch, cold and powerful at first, transforming to fresh fruit shadowed by darker tones of barrel fermentation. As it opens in the glass, revealing racy energy, a range of floral pear and apple flavors emerge, resonant with a sense of limestone capturing the sun and reflecting it back in pale power. Enjoy this over the course of an evening as its presence shifts, providing varied perspectives on a great Champagne.”
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2019. The wine’s name stands for recently disgorged and this vintage Champagne was taken off its lees in 2018. That gave many years for it to develop its depth of flavor, richness and beautifully memorable toasty flavors. Drink through 2028. -Roger Voss”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Bollinger’s 2004 R.D., tasted from magnum, is all class. Silky and understated, the R.D is super-expressive and inviting today. In 2004, the R.D. is decidedly light on its feet and more perfumed than tends to be the norm at Bollinger. Candied lemon peel, mint, apricot, pastry and yellow fruits are all laced together in a Champagne that delivers the goods. The 2004 is 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay picked between September 25 and October 8. Disgorged: November 21, 2017.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “Fermented in oak barrels and aged under natural corks for almost 13 years, Bollinger’s 2004 R. D. Extra Brut blends 66% Pinot Noir with 34% Chardonnay from 16 crus, 88% of which are classified as Grand Cru. The wine opens with a very clear, deep, rich and aromatic but also pure and mineral-fresh nose of crushed rocks, cherries, brioche, pain aux raisin, white nougat, chalk and ripe, yellow-fleshed fruits. Highly elegant and complex on the weightless yet persistent and salty palate, this is an intense, densely woven, firmly structured yet elegant, beautifully refined and refreshing “recent disgorgement” (February 2018) that reveals just a kiss of oxidative flavors that adds even more complexity. A great Champagne on its way to improve over many years in the bottle. Tasted June 2018.”
Decanter 97 points “This is Bollinger’s 2004 interpretation of their famous barrel-aged, recently-disgorged Champagne. This time around it’s a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, having received a dosage of 3g/l before being cellared under cork, unlike the usual practice of using a crown cap for this phase. A bouquet of raisins and spice jumps out of the glass, propelled by a magnificent mint-toned freshness. Tight and crystalline on the palate, it’s dense and yet not all that vinous in mouthfeel. The finish is one of ethereal lightness and magnificent balance. Drink with well-aged cheese. Drinking Window 2018 – 2030.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “The lovely nose of acacia blossom, toast and graphite leads to flavors of poached quince, fleur de sel, white cherry, lemon pith and almond skin in this dry and harmonious Champagne. Almost airy and ethereal in texture, yet the finely woven flavor range goes on and on, echoing on the finish. Disgorged June 2017. Drink now through 2034. 301 cases imported. — AN”
[Disgorgement date may vary from reviews]

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!

France – Bordeaux

Château Giscours, Margaux 2016 750ml $89 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This has attractive, glossy, ripe red-plum and licorice aromas with cedar, flowers and red berries, as well as a stony edge. A very fragrant, cabernet-driven nose. The palate has elegance and grace with sleek and charming, balanced style and a discreet tannin structure that holds the finish long and fresh. A blend of 81 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 19 per cent merlot. Try from 2023.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar SelectionThis nearly 200-acre estate lies in the south of the Margaux appellation. The wine is another great success in a series of superb years. It is rich but the structure and finely textured fruit give it style and longevity. Drink the wine from 2026.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94 points “The 2016 Giscours has a very pure, refined bouquet featuring lifted blackberry, cassis and light violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, well-judged acidity and finely integrated oak toward the precise finish. This is what a finely crafted Margaux looks like, and I suspect it will get even better with bottle age. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drink: 2023-2050.”
Decanter 94 points “Concentrated autumnal fruit offers a hawthorny bramble of blackberry and bilberry. Big-framed, muscular tannins are joined by plenty of acidity – it’s very clearly built to last and confident in its ability to reward those with patience. Matured in 50% new oak. Axel Marchal and Valerie Lavigne consult. Drinking Window: 2026-2045.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2016 Giscours is complex, aromatically intense and beguiling, with myriad layers of flavors that unfold with time in the glass. Black cherry, sage, leather, smoke and menthol add plenty of intrigue, but above all else, it is the wine’s balance and sense of harmony that make the deepest impression. Under the leadership of Alexander Van Beek and his team, Giscours has been on a roll over the last few years. The 2016 is another fine vintage. Drink: 2022-2041.”

“the ultimate indulgence for the hedonists!”
Château Troplong Mondot, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ml $169 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “A wine I was able to taste on multiple occasions, the 2015 Troplong Mondot is a tour de force that readers need to snatch up. This cuvee comes from the cool, clay and limestone soils on the upper plateau (it’s the highest point in the appellation) and is a blend of 92% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvest between September 30th and October 21st, that was brought up in 85% new French oak. Sporting a deep, inky color as well as a sensational bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberry, toasted spice, licorice and spring flowers, it’s another huge wine from this estate that has perfect balance between its fruit, oak and tannin, a stacked mid-palate, and an incredible finish. I wrote “crazy good” more than once in my notes. It has enough fruit and texture to drink nicely even today, yet needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for two to three decades. It’s one of the great wines of the vintage.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “One of the stars of the vintage, the 2015 Troplong Mondot has come together beautifully over the last year and half. Rich and sumptuous to the core, it is a classic wine from this property, built on serious fruit density and textural richness. Dark red cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather and spice are some of the many notes that build as the 2015 shows off its irrepressible personality. A viscerally exciting, resonant wine, it just needs a few years to shed some of its baby fat. Tasted two times.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96 points “Blended of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc aged in French oak, 85% new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Troplong Mondot is redolent of warm plums, blackberry tart and blueberry pie with suggestions of underbrush, bay leaves, cedar chest and lavender plus a waft of baking spices. Full-bodied and full-throttle in the mouth, the palate is decadently packed with a solid core of black and blue fruit layers, supported with firm, grainy tannins and finishing with loads of spicy layers. This pedal-to-the-metal beauty is the ultimate indulgence for the hedonists!”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection. In keeping with the new style from this estate, this is a powerful, opulent wine. Its density, concentration and layers of dark fruits are all of a piece, held together by powerful tannins. Touches of black coffee and spice emphasize the richness of the fruit and the opulent aftertaste. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”

Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, Margaux 2018 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2018 Malescot Saint Exupéry is every bit as compelling as it was from barrel. Powerful and incisive, the 2018 is a driving, potent Margaux that dazzles from the first taste. Iron, smoke, new leather, licorice, pressed rose petal and cedar all open in the glass, conveying tremendous nuance and a ton of character.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 95 points “The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Malescot St. Exupery leaps from the glass with expressive scents of baked blackberries, Morello cherries and boysenberries with hints of blackcurrant cordial, dark chocolate, licorice and tilled soil. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive intensity without heaviness, delivering mouth-coating black fruits and a firm, grainy texture, finishing with a refreshing earthy lift.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “I loved the 2018 Château Malescot Saint Exupéry from barrel two years ago, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint from bottle today. Based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this deeply hued beauty boasts smoking good notes of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and spice. Full-bodied and impressively concentrated, it has a stacked mid-palate, ripe, sweet yet certainly present tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. It’s going to fun comparing this and the 2016 over the coming two decades! While there’s some up-front accessibility and charm here, it really needs 4-6 years of bottle age and is going to have 20-25 years of overall longevity. This is gem of a wine that’s well worth seeking out.”

Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe 2009 750ml $449 special, 2 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 100 points “A brilliant wine that stands out as one of the high points of the vintage, the 2009 Montrose unwinds in the glass with a rich and incipiently complex bouquet of dark berries, cigar wrapper and loamy soil, framed by a deftly judged touch of new oak. Full-bodied, broad and enveloping, it’s a velvety, layered and impressively dynamic wine that’s deep and concentrated, exhibiting terrific balance and a long, resonant finish. While it is still five or six years away from showing all its cards, I have drunk this benchmark for contemporary Montrose with immense pleasure three times this year. In style, it’s hard to find an obvious comparison (and I have drunk Montrose back to 1895), but I would be inclined to invoke a fresher, more complete and more powerful version of the estate’s very successful 2003.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 98+ points “The 2009 Montrose has a taut, brilliantly defined bouquet with intense black fruit laced with crushed stone, forest floor, crushed rose petals and a touch of slate. Magnificent. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, good depth and grip, plenty of graphite locked in here with a bravura finish that indicates that this Saint-Estèphe is in for the long-haul. It may well deserve a higher score as it evolves in bottle. Everything you wish for in a Montrose. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “A bit of a brute, with a very chewy bittersweet ganache, tobacco and roasted fig core splayed open right now by a dagger of roasted apple wood, allspice and cedar. Long and dense through the finish, with a strong singed iron edge. The stuffing is certainly there, but this will take a while to come together as it’s running unbridled right now. Proves you can still get classic old-school Bordeaux. Best from 2020 through 2040. 17,000 cases made. — JM”

Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux 2017 750ml $109 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Cellar Selection. This is a powerful, dense wine. Tannins come through strongly as does the dynamic black fruit. Likely to develop slowly, the wine’s concentration is impressive. Drink from 2024. -Roger Voss”
Jeb Dunnuck 94+ points “This estate continues to fashion a complex, elegant, seamless style of wine. The 2017 Chateau Rauzan-Segla offers a deep purple color as well as gorgeous notes of cassis, crushed violets, tobacco, and leafy herbs. Pure Margaux on the palate with its medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine, seamless texture, this flawlessly balanced 2017 will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 20-25 years. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, all aged in 60% new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Inviting, with seductive damson plum, red currant, blackberry and black cherry puree flavors layered together, stitched with dried anise, sandalwood and black tea threads. Very fine acidity flows underneath, carrying this through a suave and lengthy finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2035. — JM”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Rauzan-Ségla is coming together very nicely. Soft and silky, the 2017 is a wine of pure and total finesse. Sweet red cherry and plum fruit, tobacco, cedar and licorice add pretty top notes, but more than anything else, the 2017 impresses with its statuesque elegance and total balance; nothing in particular stands out. For that reason, Rauzan-Ségla is the sort of wine that is easy to overlook, and yet all the elements of a top notch Left-Bank wine are present. Tasted three times.”

Château du Tertre, Margaux 2015 750ml $69 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection. This sister property to Château Giscours is firing on all cylinders with this wine. Rich, full of black-currant fruit and dark tannins, it is dense while also supple. It has excellent aging potential and should not be drunk before 2024. -Roger Voss”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Gorgeous sandalwood, rooibos tea and warm raspberry aromas lead off, with silky and refined waves of cassis, blackberry preserves and black currant paste flowing through. The long, silky finish is laden with melted licorice, mesquite and iron notes. Best from 2022 through 2035. 13,333 cases made. — JM”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Château Giscours, Margaux 2018 750ml $89 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Always a significant wine, this latest release with powerful while also stylish black fruits fits into a well-regarded tradition. The density and broad fruitiness of the wine make fine foils for each other. It is firmly structured and set for aging. Drink this wine from 2027. -Roger Voss”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Very expressive, with violet and lilac notes followed by creamed plum and mulled blackberry and black currant fruit flavors. Subtle anise, juniper and sanguine notes thread the very long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2036. — JM”

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 2018 750ml $269 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “#6 Top 100 Cellar Selections in 2021. Vintage 2018 was generous to the style of Ducru-Beaucaillou. The rich character of this wine is enhanced by the ripeness and concentration of the vintage, yet at the same time it keeps an amazing freshness. This will go down in the annals of this historic estate. It is not likely to approach drinkability before 2028. -Roger Voss”
Jeb Dunnuck 98+ points “The Grand Vin 2018 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou checks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that was harvested at the end of September through October 10 and brought up all in new French oak. This is a gorgeous, incredibly complete, classic expression of this terroir, offering a heavenly nose of crème de cassis, cedarwood, unsmoked tobacco, new leather, spring flowers, chocolate, and a touch of chalky minerality. With full-bodied richness, a monster of a mid-palate, remarkable purity, and a great, great finish, it’s one of the most concentrated, impressive wines of the vintage, and might also be one of the longest lived. It actually reminds me of an improved version of the 1996 or a hypothetical mix of the 2010 and 2016. For the tech geeks out there, the IPT checks in at a massive 95 and the pH is 3.7.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, aged 18 months in 100% new barriques. It has a pH of 3.7, 14.5% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 95. Deep purple-black colored, it has a powerful nose of baked black cherries, blackberry preserves and crème de cassis with nuances of menthol, pencil lead, cedar chest and Indian spices, plus fragrant wafts of violets and licorice emerging after a few minutes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with impactful black fruits and exotic spices layers, supported by firm, ripe grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. There is a brightness to the wine—surprising freshness—and yet it remains very rich and hedonic, presenting an extraordinary vinous paradox that will blow away fans of this great estate.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 points “The 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou, tasted just after my in-bottle tastings, is all mint and violet over the nose, precocious and generous, very pure and enticing. The palate is medium-bodied with a lot of new oak that will be subsumed with time. This is very pure, beautifully balanced, silky smooth with great precision on the finish. It is a superb 2018 that will need at least a decade in the cellar and with even more pixelation than the bottle earlier this year, it gets another precision point in my score. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château.”

#7 James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of 2019
Château Larcis Ducasse, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ml $119 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “The aromas here are so spellbinding with shitake mushrooms, wet earth and moss, as well as tree bark and, finally, dark fruit. The palate is incredible as it builds and grows with full body, but always tight and reserved. It shows so much depth and complexity. Please try not to touch this until 2025”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2016 Larcis Ducasse is absolutely gorgeous. Fresh, vibrant and alluring, with tremendous vibrancy, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive savory and blood orange notes add brightness to the red cherry and plum fruit, with beams of firm yet well-integrated tannins that give the wine its shape and energy. In 2016, Larcis brings together undeniable raciness and power in a complete package that is irresistibly beautiful. Give it a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “From one of my favorite estates in Bordeaux, the deeply colored 2016 Château Larcis Ducasse is comprised of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new French oak. It offers a huge bouquet of black, black fruits, smoked herbs, forest floor, graphite, and underbrush that builds beautifully with time in the glass. Deep, rich, opulent and expansive on the palate, with building tannins, it’s a rich, layered Saint-Emilion as well as another incredible wine from this estate. Give it a few years if you can. It’s capable of keeping for three decades or more.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96 points “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Larcis Ducasse sashays gracefully out of the glass with beautiful Black Forest cake, red cherry compote, raspberry preserves and blackberry pie scents plus hints of cigar box, Ceylon tea, dried lavender and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers gorgeous red and black fruit preserves flavors with a wonderfully plush texture and very long, perfumed finish.”

Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Pauillac 2018 750ml $66 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Pretty blackberries, blueberries and violets with some crushed-raspberry aromas follow through to a full body with wonderfully crafted and pure tannins that intertwine wonderfully with the blue fruit and blackberries. Long and endless. A triumph here. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2026.”
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2018 Haut-Bages Libéral is super-impressive right out of the gate. It shows all the depth and intensity I saw from barrel, with maybe a bit more tannic impact. Ripe red cherry, plum, orange peel, cedar and sweet spice all build in the glass. The 2018 is going to need a few years to come into its own, but it is a gorgeous Pauillac.”
VinopolNote: Haut-Bages-Liberal holds an amazing position on a gravel plateau overlooking the Gronde River inlet. Positioned between Chateau Latour to the south and Chateau Lunch-Bages to the north, this Chateau has been making great strides in quality over the past few years under new management, but still is selling for a fraction of the prices attained by its neighbors.

France – Alsace

Trimbach Riesling, Alsace 2020 750ml $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Although this is packed with citrus, pear and white-peach aromas, it’s so pure and straight that the simple description “fruity” would be far too one-sided to adequately describe what makes this wine stand out. So energetic that it feels much lighter than it really is (13% alcohol). Fine tannins at the finish underline the dry style. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Trimbach Pinot Blanc, Alsace 2019 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “Where is the salad and the charcuterie? Right from the fresh pear and apple nose, through to the clean and elegant finish, this refreshing, medium-bodied Alsace dry white is spot on! A blend of 70% auxerrois and 30% pinot blanc, a classic combination for the region. Drink now. Screw cap.”

Trimbach Riesling Selection de Vieilles Vignes, Alsace 2017 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “#2 WOTY 2020. Initial smoky notes of reduction make way for a pervasive, subtle but luminous lemon freshness on the nose of this wine. The palate shows exquisite concentration in lemon freshness. It’s bone dry, vivid and fresh. Drink until 2045. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
James Suckling 95 points “Solid white with density and searing dryness and minerality that is very impressive with sliced apples, lemons and white peaches. Super energy. Drink now or hold.”

Italy – Piedmont

Le Pianelle Bramaterra, Piedmont 2016 750ml $48 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Le Pianelle Bramaterra, Piedmont 2016 750ml $269 special (that’s only $44.83/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94-97 points “The 2016 Bramaterra is drop-dead gorgeous. Utterly captivating in its aromatics and inner sweetness, the 2016 is insanely beautiful. Sweet red cherry, candy, iron, graphite, rose petal and blood orange are some of the many notes that come alive with a bit of aeration. I tasted the 2016 from two core lots, separately, and then in a hypothetical blend. It is a hugely promising wine.”

Germany

Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2019 Graacher Domprobst Kabinett (White Capsule) is deep, elegant and flinty on the perfectly ripe and typically Graach-fruity nose with its lush and ripe stone-fruit aromas. Water matters in a dry year such as 2019, and the Domprobst has lots of it. Dense, piquant and mouth-filling on the palate, the wine reveals an edgy slate structure that will soften with bottle age. I recommend cellaring the wine for at least another year. The finish is vibrantly fresh and salty yet still tannic. 10.5% alcohol. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “From the higher parts of the cru, the 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (Golden Capsule) is clear, bright, intense and fruity on the elegant, slatey nose. The palate is lush, round and aromatic as well as refined, and the sweetness is balanced by the delicate, vivid, crystalline acidity. The finish is stimulatingly salty. A lovely wine that I would keep for some years, though the 2019 already drinks very well. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Feinherb *** (Green Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $125 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese *** (Green Capsule) opens enormously deep, intense and complex on the nose that immediately indicates the wine is in an exceptional class on its own. Only with lots of aeration does the wine become more and more pure and fresh and develop a flinty lemon note with the finest perfume. On the palate, this is a rich, round and complex, sweet, wide and mouth-filling, very generous, free and easy-flowing Himmelreich of exceptional finesse and beauty. The finish is so stimulating, salty, pure and crunchy in its slate character, whereas the crater dug by the piquancy is filled in by the perfectly ripe and healthy fruit with lush intensity. The 2019 Himmelreich Auslese *** is sensational and the finest I have ever tasted from Markus Molitor. Tasted from AP 1 20 in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese *** (Golden Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $119 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The golden-yellow colored 2019 Ockfener Bockstein Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is concentrated, fresh and piquant on the highly refined nose that shows very fine berry aromas intertwined with crushed slate and therefore with coolish and flinty, immediately attractive and stimulating notes. Lush and elegant on the immaculate and seamless palate, this is rather smooth but mouth-salivating and stimulating salty Auslese with great finesse and concentration. Tasted in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $128 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2019 Zeltlinger Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (White Capsule) is deep, pure, fresh, fine and substantial on the nose that reveals rich and perfectly ripe (tropical) fruit intertwined with exciting flint notes of crushed slate and lemons. Full-bodied, rich and intense, with great ripeness and concentration yet also purity, finesse and lingering, crystalline acidity, the three-starred ZSU reveals a beautifully balanced yet highly complex palate with lots of power and concentration and generous, fully ripe fruit paired with vibrant mineral freshness and tension. This 2019 Sonnenuhr is another three-starred Molitor Riesling that has to be aged for at least a decade. Without any doubt, this is another stellar wine of the vintage in the Mosel and all of Germany, and it hasn’t yet reached its destination. Compared to the finessed and energetic Wehlener, the Zeltinger Sonnenuhr is richer, more physical and powerful. Two different characters yet both fantastic Rieslings on their way to eternity. Tasted in May 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “Molitor’s lemon-golden colored 2019 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese ** (White Capsule) opens with a spectacular dense and intense tropical fruit aroma that becomes finer and finer and more detailed and slatey with air. This is a fascinating beauty in the making. Lively and frisky on the palate despite its richness and with a lemon flavor and firm and sustainably salty mineral grip for structure, this full-bodied WSU is a highly refined and elegant dry Auslese with an extremely stimulating finish. Although the 2019 already tastes very well, I wouldn’t drink it before it’s 20 or even 30 years old, simply because the wine will become even more complex.”

Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) exhibits a white-golden color along with a clear, bright, flinty and lemon-scented bouquet of ripe and healthy citrus fruits intertwined with finely crushed slate aromas. Mouth-filling, fresh and highly delicate on the palate, this is a finessed and stimulating Auslese with hidden intensity and complexity and currently firm phenolic grip with crystalline acidity and lingering salinity. Tasted from AP 27 20 in May 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ** (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is another absolutely brilliant Riesling that opens incredibly pure and coolish with a perfume of crushed slate and lemon verbena notes on the dense, stony and herbal nose. Succulent yet refined and elegant on the superbly balanced and seamless palate, this is a generous yet refined Auslese with subtle yet sustainable mineral finesse and energy. Stimulatingly salty and crystalline on the airy finish. Tasted from AP 89 20 in May 2021.”

Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Beerenauslese (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2019 375ml $79 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The white-golden colored 2019 Kinheimer Hubertuslay Beerenauslese offers a deep, intense and concentrated bouquet with ripe and flinty-scented raisin and lemon aromas. Lush and round on the refined and elegant palate, this is a sensual, mouth-filling yet delicate BA with vivacious yet fine acidity and a long and stimulating, salty and highly seductive finish. 6.5% alcohol. Tasted in May 2021”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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10 AM – 6 PM Daily, Closed Wednesdays

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But they are appreciated, thanks!
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Isole e Olena

No winery symbolizes the modern quality of Tuscany like Isole e Olena. Since the arrival of Paolo de Marchi in 1976, Isole e Olena has been a quality leader in the region. Stylistically, Isole e Olena occupies a place that is at once traditional and modern. Their flagship Cepparello is firmly rooted in the primacy of Sangiovese and the idea of Tuscan typicity. Elegance wedded to power, this shows the nuance and bright fruit you’d expect from a classic wine of the region combined with the density and complexity of top tier, noble wines.

Isole e Olena selections in stock now:

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT 2015 750ml $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata opens to an enriched appearance with round fruit and loads of deep intensity. What is remarkable about this Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon (blended with very small parts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) is that it shows none of the greenness or tightness often associated with the grape. This warm and sunny vintage has ironed out any wrinkles and contributes to the loose, rich fabric of the wine. This wine shows lushness and balanced integration. It’s a lovely expression whose berry and forest endnotes make it perfect for a rosemary and garlic roasted lamb. Only 6,000 bottles were made.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of elegance and finesse that shows the effects of rain during harvest in its decidedly mid-weight, lithe construction. Even so, the 2015 offers lovely aromatic presence and persistence. Grilled herbs, crème de cassis, licorice, violet, plum, spice and licorice all develop, but the 2015 remains decidedly delicate for this bottling. My impression is that it will age more on its freshness rather than on its concentration.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $81

Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2017 750ml $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2017 1.5L $169 special, 13 magnums in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2017 3L $379 special, 3 jeroboams in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The Isole e Olena 2017 Cepparello is one of the great Sangiovese-based wines of the vintage. From a growing season that was challenging for almost everyone in Italy, this wine sails through, pushed by a profound sense of varietal purity. This dark, mid-weight red reveals lifted tones of cherry, wild rose, rosemary essence, toasted almond and potting soil. These components come together with seamless transitions and a polished finish. The tannins are elegant and integrated. The wine defies the expectations of the vintage. Production is 43,000 bottles, 1,800 magnums and more large formats (including six- and 12-liter bottles).”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ml $199 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L $399 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is breathtaking. Beautifully ripe, deep and expressive, the 2013 has it all: deep fruit, stunning aromatic presence and tremendous structure. Black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, mint and lavender all meld together in this super-expressive, resonant Chianti Classico. An absolutely killer wine, the Gran Selezione is a fabulous, contemporary expression of Chianti Classico at its very finest. Drops of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah round out the blend. Paolo De Marchi gave the 2013 a year in barrique and second year in cask.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Dark, saturated and rich, the 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione delivers savory tones of spice and smoke that are folded into dark fruit, prune and dried blackberry. Despite the darkness of the bouquet, this wine shows tartness and freshness in terms of its flavor profile. There is a lot of Sangiovese typicity here, thanks to the delineated character of those wild berry aromas and the crispness of the wine’s natural acidity. In fact, the wine is mostly composed of Sangiovese, although very small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are added to the blend. A mere 2,400 bottles were produced.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

We carry an entire assortment of bottlings from Isole e Olena including back vintages and large formats, available both in store and online!

Matrot

There’s an old axiom that you can’t trust a red-wine maker to make good white wines, but producers that are known for whites often make great reds. That’s certainly true of Matrot, the venerable producer of Meursault. Their whites are great and well known, but somehow the reds the family produces from the Cote de Beaune are sleepers—undervalued but delicious.

Stylistically, the wines are charmers, pure and up front with their joy. They epitomize a drink-now style of the Cote de Beaune, with fresh fruit and beautiful aromatics. The fruit is buttressed by an intriguing minerality that gives the wine tension and energy. They’ll develop with age, sure, but for a Burg you can drink with pleasure young, it’s tough to beat the wines from Matrot.

Added to that youthful charm is perhaps the other best attribute of these wines—pricing. At a time when even humble producers have been taking off in pricing, Matrot, with all of their accolades, have kept prices reasonable. These are among the best values in the Cote d’Or—wines that we’d say you should buy in bulk, but unfortunately we don’t have any of them in bulk. It’s Burgundy, though, and quantities are small.

In Stock Now from Matrot:

Domaine Matrot La Piece Sous Le Bois, Blagny Premier Cru 2010 750ml $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Matrot La Piece Sous Le Bois, Blagny Premier Cru 2011 750ml $49 special, 5 bottles in stock now

Domaine Matrot La Piece Sous Le Bois, Blagny Premier Cru 2012 750ml $49 special, 3 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Collector’s Corner:

New Wine Spectator Reviews for Napa’s Finest!

Bond Pluribus, Napa Valley 2018 750ml $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is well-packed, with crushed plum, steeped black currant and warmed blackberry compote notes mixed together, laced with bramble, licorice snap and apple wood. The fruit takes a really nice encore through the finish, while a dark earth hint moves underneath. Best from 2023 through 2038.—J.M.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Bond Quella, Napa Valley 2018 750ml $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Boasts black currant, fig and loganberry fruit flavors that are tightly packed yet nicely expressive already, while the backdrop of signed alder, juniper, bay leaf and warm loam adds extra dimension and length through the finish. Not shy on power, but everything is in proportion. Best from 2024 through 2040.—J.M.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Bond Vecina, Napa Valley 2018 750ml $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Ripe and focused, with a solidly built core of black currant and fig paste lined with tar and loam. Ends with an encore of fruit swathed in bittersweet cocoa and tobacco, giving this a muscular feel, but there’s also a nicely buried iron note that adds cut. This begs for cellaring. Best from 2024 through 2040.—J.M.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Bond Melbury, Napa Valley 2018 750ml $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Packed with dark blackberry and black currant preserves, this has nicely coiled energy, with sassafras and apple wood accents mixed with flashes of sweet bay leaf and tobacco. Subtle sanguine and black tea hints curl around the finish. Best from 2023 through 2037.—J.M.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Ulysses Vineyard, Napa Valley 2018 750ml $169 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Ulysses Vineyard, Napa Valley 2018 375ml $79 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Ulysses Vineyard, Napa Valley 2018 1.5L $339 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Dark and reserved in style, with a core of black currant and blackberry reduction wrapped in singed alder and warm loam. Tightly wound for now, with the fruit held in check, but the underlying structure is polished and there’s mineral-laced drive on the finish. Requires patience. Best from 2024 through 2038. —J.M.”

Thank you from the small but mighty team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.

Tuesday Night Newsletter 9-6-2022

In This Newsletter:

New Arrivals from Simon Bize’s Highly Anticipated 2019s!

Nikolaihof

Get the Inside Scoop
With New Reviews from the Wine Spectator Insider:
JJ Prüm, GD Vajra & Baudana

Vinopolis Wine Shop

Will Be Closed Wednesdays

We’re open for our regularly scheduled hours all other days:

10 am – 6 pm

Our webstore never closes!

New Arrivals

from Simon Bize’s

Highly Anticipated 2019s!

“I will be adding a case or two of the Bize 2019s to my personal cellar, and I warmly recommend readers to do the same.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate

“Given that they are still keenly priced vis-à-vis other producers, Domaine Bize’s 2019s come recommended…” –Neal Martin, Vinous

“The 2019s I want to keep for myself!” –Chisa Bize, speaking with Neal Martin

Newly Arrived from Simon Bize:

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrieres 2019 750ml $47 special, 6 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89+ points “One of the finest communal bottlings along the Côte, Bize’s 2019 Bourgogne Les Perrières Blanc wafts from the glass with notes of corps orchard fruit, citrus oil, dried white flowers, fresh bread and a touch of youthful reduction. Medium-bodied, chiseled and incisive, it’s concentrated and mineral, concluding with a long, chalky finish.”
“The 2019 Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrières, which Chisa Bize recently discovered contains a few Pinot Blanc vines, has a crisp, nicely delineated bouquet displaying more nerve than the Champlains. The palate is well balanced with a sour lemon note on the entry, good intensity and a touch of lemon curd on the finish. Excellent.” -Neal Martin, Vinous

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc 2019 750ml $51.90 special, 4 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “Notes of citrus zest, peach and pastry cream introduce the 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Blanc, a medium to full-bodied wine that’s fleshier and more textural than the preceding Bourgognes, but its generous core of fruit is underpinned by tangy acids, segueing into a precise finish.”
“The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Blanc, matured in 15% new oak, has a lovely, slightly creamy bouquet that retains good definition. The palate is well balanced with admirable weight, a creamy texture and lemon thyme, almond and a touch of stem ginger toward the finish. Probably only needs a year or two in bottle before it starts to drink.” -Neal Martin, Vinous

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $60

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses Blanc, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $109 special, 5 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses Blanc unwinds in the glass with hints of crisp orchard fruit, orange oil and light reduction. Medium to full-bodied, saline and mineral, this is the most tightly wound, introspective of these whites from Bize today, but it’s also the most concentrated and multidimensional. Even if it was a little closed when I tasted it, I expect it to be rather dramatic with only a modicum of bottle age.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru Blanc, matured in one-third new oak, is clearly a step up from the Savigny Blanc, delivering greater mineralité and terroir expression, touches of lime flower and dandelion emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a sedate entry, then builds toward a precise, lilting finish. Delightful.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $114

“What is for sure is that the 2019s represent perhaps the best that I have tasted at Bize since first coming here 20 years ago, when I tasted with her late husband Patrick. The appellation of Savigny-lès-Beaune performed strongly in this vintage and domaines like Bize could exploit that with their raft of vineyards located in some of its finest Premier Crus such as Serpentières, Les Vergelesses and Les Talmettes. These are ‘classic’ Savigny-lès-Beaune wines, pure and quite structured, batting off that summer warmth in their stride so that you could barely tell that they were born in such a warm season. Given that they are still keenly priced vis-à-vis other producers, Domaine Bize’s 2019s come recommended…”
–Neal Martin, Vinous

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Les Perrieres Rouge 2019 750ml $44 special, 6 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2019 Bourgogne Les Perrières is beautiful, soaring from the glass with scents of rose petals, red berries and spices. Medium-bodied, sapid and perfumed, it’s lively and charming, with powdery tannins and a long, lively finish. This is just irresistible.”
“The 2019 Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrières offers slightly rustic dark berry fruit on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins, good density and bell pepper notes enlivening the finish.” -Neal Martin, Vinous

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.95

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Rouge 2019 750ml $55 special, 9 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Mingling aromas of peonies and plums with hints of wintergreen and bergamot, Bize’s 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Village is medium to full-bodied, lively and perfumed, with an ample core of bright, succulent fruit framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, saline finish. In other words, it’s representative of the domaine’s exquisitely charming range this year.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 88-90 points “The 2019 Saivgny-lès-Beaune Village has a well-defined peppery bouquet that comes from the 100% whole bunch. The palate is fresh on the entry, featuring red and black fruit, and slightly briny, with white pepper toward the finish. Those who like a bit of stem in their Savigny will love this.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Fourneaux, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $85 special, 7 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-93 points “On the day of my visit, the 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Fournaux was one of the few comparatively reserved wines in a demonstrative portfolio, unwinding in the glass with scents of spicy berry fruit and loamy soil. Medium-bodied, bright and lively, Chisa Bize attributes its notable freshness and vivacity to the fact that it was picked in the morning, before 10 a.m.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Fournaux 1er Cru is a little more backward and subdued on the nose compared to the other Premier Crus at the moment. Black cherries and bilberry reluctantly emerge, the nose seeming just a tad subdued at first. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, nicely focused and more elegant than the Les Grands Liards. Fine precision on the saline finish. This represents another excellent 2019 from Bize.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $97

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Marconnets, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Marconnets soars from the glass with scents of roses, exotic spices, raspberries, blackberries and musk. Medium to full-bodied, bright and perfumed, its enveloping core of crunchy fruit girdled by lively acids and underpinned by powdery tannins, it concludes with a long, fragrant finish.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 91-93 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Marconnets 1er Cru shows less stem character than the Les Fourneaux, opening with blackberry, briar, undergrowth and white pepper aromas. The palate is well balanced with plenty of freshness that proprietor Chisa Bize puts down to strict early-morning picking. Lightly spiced toward the finish, with a briny tang on the aftertaste. Give it 3–4 years in bottle.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $97

“I can’t remember tasting a more thrilling young vintage at Domaine Simon Bize. Certainly, the frost-depleted 2016s were brilliant, but those wines were more introverted from barrel and tank. The 2019s are concentrated, vibrant and strikingly perfumed, almost without exception soaring from the glass with captivatingly floral aromas. Chisa Bize and her team, in short, have excelled themselves, and this visit stood out as one of my finest tastings of the year…”
–William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses is a striking wine, soaring from the glass with scents of wilted roast petals, bergamot, oriental spices, wild berries and plums. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it’s vibrant and velvety, with lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. This is an immensely good Savigny from Chisa Bize and her team.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 92-94 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru has a sophisticated nose of blackberry, loamy damp soil, raspberry and light cracked black pepper aromas that build nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp bead of acidity; very harmonious. White pepper and clove appear toward a finish that leaves the tongue tingling after it has departed. Superb.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $117

Also In Stock Now from Simon Bize:

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Rouge 2018 750ml $55 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points ” Subtle aromas of sweet berries and spice, such as nutmeg and rose petal. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are polished and very fine. Lovely strawberry-tart aftertaste. From biodynamically grown grapes. So delicious now.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89 points “Richer and more powerful than its 2019 counterpart, Bize’s 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Village evokes ripe raspberries, rose petals and rich spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it’s a textural, fleshy wine with a deep core of fruit. Readers that privilege finesse and perfume will gravitate toward 2019; those that admire muscle and power will favor 2018.”

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Fourneaux, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ml $89 special, 5 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 92 points “The 2018 Fournaux is the lowest octane wine in the cellar this year at 12.5 percent, and it is excellent. The bouquet offers up a deeply black fruity mix of black plums, dark berries, bitter chocolate, gamebird, a hint of Savigny fruitcake tones and a fine base of dark soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, complex and chewy, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive and a long, focused ant very nicely balanced finish. This is fine juice in the making. 2025-2055.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Fournaux exhibits notes of cherries, berries and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and supple, it’s built around powdery, youthfully chewy tannins that lend the wine more obvious structure than its 2019 counterpart.”

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Talmettes, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ml $89 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Talmettes 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet of harmonious blackberry, cranberry and bilberry scents, plus light sea spray/brine in the background. The palate is very well defined with succulent tannins, very fine acidity and a precise, persistent finish. Superb.”

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ml $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 les Vergelesses is probably the ripest red wine chez Bize this year, coming in at 13.8 percent, but in the context of the vintage, this is still pretty low octane juice! The bouquet is deep, pure and very classy, wafting from the glass in a mix of dark berries, black cherries, gamebird, woodsmoke, gentle spice tones, just a whisper of fruitcake and a very complex base of soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very elegant in profile, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive, ripe, buried tannins and outstanding length and grip on the complex and very refined finish. This is the most elegant premier cru terroir in the domaine’s lineup, but often that elegance takes a full decade or more to start to really make its presence felt; this year it is there right from the outset! 2028-2060.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses has turned out nicely, mingling hints of rose petals and exotic spices with aromas of sweet berries and forest floor in an inviting mélange. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it’s deep and complete, with a muscular chassis of tannin and a rich core of fruit.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru is more backward than the Talmettes on the nose, but sports just as much precision and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, firm tannins and good acidity that segues into a more elegant and silky-smooth finish, leaving a touch of sea salt on the aftertaste.”

Browse our red Burgundies from the Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune,

or shop our steller Chablis and other white Burgundies now!

Nikolaihof

Nikolaihof is a giant of Austrian wine—a producer whose history and quality are unrivaled even in a country full of great producers. The estate dates back to Roman times and the Saahs family has run the property for well over a century. They produce wines of deep resonant flavors, which have fresh brightness, but standout for an undercurrent of vinosity. They’re bright, precise and mineral-drenched with the power and density of the Wachau. These are the heights of Austrian wine.

In Stock Now from Nikolaihof:

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling vom Stein Smaragd, Wachau 2014 750ml $44 special, 16 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht 97 points “In a departure from usual Nikolaihof practice – given that it had by then been filtered and assembled into tank – I was offered my first taste of this wine shortly before the initial, December 2017 bottling. The wine was exciting then, and when re-tasted repeatedly in the course of 2018 had only gained in stature. Moss, lemon zest, peach kernel and toasted grain on the nose put me in mind of a relatively austere white Burgundy. But that sense of kinship dims with the emergence of high-toned hints of lavender and mint, mouthwatering ocean breeze and a sappy, juicy abundance of fresh lime and white peach juiciness on the silken palate. There are also faint hints of kirsch and mothball such as one can encounter from time to time at this address and to whose volatility some tasters might object. The finish is transparent to a veritable carpet of mineral matter – albeit a levitating, vibrantly undulating one! Crushed stone, alkali, mineral salts and iodine combine with herbal and protein-rich flavors for something approximating a blend of oyster liquor and clam stock that set my salivary glands to palpitating. And now for the astonishing kicker: This remarkable stuff filled the largest cask in the Nikolaihof cellar, with a capacity of 12,000 liters! Half was bottled in 2017 and 2018; the rest will be held back – let’s hope eventually to inform a Vinothek offering. “The only sense in which this wine needed to be bottled,” noted Saahs, “was in order to avoid Vom Stein Smaragd temporarily dropping from our price list and to make room in the cellar. It wasn’t the phases of the moon calling the shots,” he added with a sly grin. (Re-tasted alongside, the corresponding 2013 showed at the upper end of my earlier projection. But despite issuing from one of the two finest Wachau vintages that it has been my privilege to taste as young wines, that 2013 doesn’t quite reach the complexity nor exhibit the clarity and energy of this 2014 – not for now, at least.)”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling, Wachau 2002 750ml $179 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “At first deep, dark and mysterious. Just like the Nikolaihof cellar, where this dry riesling spent 16 years in barrel. Then, a minty freshness develops that leaps out of the glass at you. By some miracle, it manages to taste ancient and lively at once. The finish is very long with great herbal complexity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Demeter certified. Drink or hold.”
Anne Krebiehl MW-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Editor’s Choice. A teasing, flinty whiff of reduction beckons from the glass before the taut, fresh, poised but juicy palate hits you. The flavor is reminiscent both of baked and fresh apple, with a smooth lanolin tone. This is not only and elixir but a whole fountain of youth, a full-flavored jewel of a wine. Still slender, still vivid and like balm for the soul. If only we could age so gracefully.”

Arriving Late September from Nikolaihof:

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof (im Weingebirge) Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2020 750ml $33 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “Previously called Im Weingebirge, the 2020 Grüner Veltliner Federspiel comes along without single-vineyard designation and opens intense and aromatic on the nose that is deep, precise and focused and reveals perfectly ripe and intense fruit. Round and lush on the palate, this is a mouth-filling, salty-piquant and mineral structured Federspiel with substance, grip and a sustainable finish. 12% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

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Familie Saahs Nikolaihof im Weingebirge Smaragd Gruner Veltliner, Wachau 2017 750ml $69 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Bottled in April this year, the 2017 Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Smaragd is fascinatingly deep and refined on the complex, fresh, elegant and remarkably complex nose with its crystalline stone notes. On the palate, the wine reveals great finesse and elegance combined with substance, grip and sustainability. It is a full-bodied, powerful, rich and almost sweet, concentrated and tensioned terroir wine that is still young and ready to go a long distance. 13% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

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Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling vom Stein Smaragd, Wachau 2016 750ml $69 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “Bottled in April this year, the 2016 Vom Stein Riesling Smaragd is perfectly ripe and concentrated on the precise, coolish and flinty nose that reveals apricot and white peach aromas. Full-bodied, round and crystalline, this is a fresh, very elegant and textural Vom Stein in a linear and classic style. The finish is intense and reveals firm tannins and makes this an excellent gastronomic wine. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $77

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Steinriesler Riesling, Wachau 2007 750ml $89 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “Bottled in June 2019 after 12 years in a large oak vat, the 2007 Riesling Steinriesler is from the Vom Stein in Mautern and exhibits an intense and matured bouquet with caramel and leathery/feral as well as concentrated fruit but also crystalline, stony aromas. Deep, coolish and elegant. On the palate, this is a crystalline, refined and pure, very complex and concentrated wine with a great and complex finish that is structured, still tannic and seriously biting but with the right concentration and power for a long-distance run. It is mouth-watering, enormously tensioned and pushing on the finish. A great dry Riesling for real Riesling lovers. The wine should be decanted for maybe a day or two. 12% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $103

Shop our full selection of Austrian wines, including picks from FX Pichler, on our webstore now!

Get the Inside Scoop

With New Reviews from the Wine Spectator Insider

JJ Prüm’s reference-point Mosel Rieslings are some of the most profound and age-worthy white wines in the world. No other producer in the middle Mosel is as respected or collectible.

Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2020 375ml $39 special, 21 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “This feels like it’s holding back a little on the floral, apricot, lime and slate flavors. Light-bodied and graceful, this is well-structured and focused on the lingering finish. Reveals just a touch of earthiness that should disappear with aeration (as this did) or age. Best from 2024 through 2045. —B.S.”

Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2020 750ml $125 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A pretty white, this exudes elderflower, peach, lime, cumin and slate aromas and flavors. Creamy and elegant, with lively acidity providing structure and definition. Very consistent from beginning to end. Drink now through 2045. —B.S.”

Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2020 750ml $129 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Pretty white flower and steeped tea notes infuse a base of honeyed apple and warm peach in this lush, richly textured wine. The finish is driven by candied citrus and dried herbs, with lanolin, vanilla and racy salted-lemon acidity. Drink now through 2040. —B.S.”

Vajra remains one of our favorite producers in the Piedmont. From top to bottom, the wines are excellent and they’re a real reference point that others are judged against; so too with the Luigi Baudana estate they purchased when the Baudanas retired.

G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, ETA November
Wine Spectator 95 points “An elegant version, this red features rose, black currant, cherry, mineral and a hint of eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Linear in profile, this is solidly built on a graceful frame, with finely woven tannins and vibrant acidity. Best from 2026 through 2045. —B.S.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $88

Luigi Baudana ‘Baudana’, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, ETA November
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich, exuding cherry, raspberry, plum and floral notes, with iron, tobacco and tar accents lending complexity. Shows terrific balance and depth, with a tightly wound structure that bodes well for future development. Best from 2025 through 2043. —B.S.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $87

Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.

Sunday Night Newsletter 9-4-22

In This Newsletter:

Staff Picks

A Multitude of Molitor

Figgins Estate

Rosé of the Day:
Bastide Blanche

Goodfellow

Daterra Viticultores – Laura Lorenzo

Trending

Francois Gay

Collector’s Corner:
2013 Burlotto Monvigliero

Vinopolis Wine Shop

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Staff Picks

In a world where quality Burgundy is rapidly outpacing consumer wallets, Glantenay’s regional and village level pinots consistently impress. If you want to drink value red Burgundy with complex aromatics, silky texture, and rich red fruit, Glantenay is the producer for you.

Domaine Thierry Glantenay Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2017 750ml $33 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 87-89 points “The 2017 Bourgogne Pinot Noir has a clean raspberry and blackberry scented bouquet (there is a tincture of the children’s drink Ribena here!) The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy tannin, fine acidity, fresh and lively with good energy towards the finish. Recommended.”
“Glantenay’s 2017 Bourgogne Rouge is very persuasive, bursting with aromas of cassis, ripe red berries and spices. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, satiny and succulent, with a light framing of structuring tannins and a generous core of fruit. It will deliver great pleasure on release.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $40

Christoph Schaefer and his wife Andrea make some of the most authentic wine in all of the Mosel. Never fearing the delicious balance that subtle sugar and bright acid can bring, these wines are an educational tour de force on German Riesling. The Himmelreich vineyard tends to bring wines with slightly spicier, red fruit notes, while the Domprobst leads with cool, minty green herbs and delicate freshness.

Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2019 750ml $45 special, 33 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Play me a love song to the Mosel! Super fresh and super precise, this Spätlese has a ton of floral delight and a wonderful interplay of the most delicate, white and yellow character with vibrant acidity. Such a clean, filigree finish you want to bathe in it. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese is precise, fresh and pure on the nose that displays notes grated lemon rind and crushed stones. Round, piquant and juicy on the palate, this is an utterly refined yet sustainable and firmly structured Spätlese with dense and vibrating fresh Riesling fruit whose sweetness is well-compensated by mineral grip, salinity and tension. 7.5% alcohol. Tasted from AP 08 20 in June 2010.”

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A Multitude of Molitor

Vinopolis has the deepest selection of Molitor of any shop on the entire West Coast, and it’s no coincidence. This producer has taken the Riesling world by storm with astronomical review scores and unparalleled vineyard offerings. What makes Molitor most unique is the capsule coloring system he employs. White for wines that taste refreshingly dry and crisp, green for wines with beautifully integrated sugar to give aromatic lift, and gold for wines with lush sweetness and mind-blowing fruit. Shop our complete selection on our webstore now!

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Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.

Figgins Estate

The team at Leonetti consistently releases some of the most stunning Bordeaux-style reds in Walla Walla. Don’t miss the Figgins Estate, crafted by Chris Figgins and adored by critics every year.

Figgins Estate Red, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ml $99 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2018 Red Wine is another stunner from this talented team. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot aged 23 months in a mix of new and used barrels, it has an incredibly pure bouquet of both red and blue fruits as well as graphite, violets, and blood orange. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it stays tight and focused on the palate, with a beautiful mouthfeel, ripe yet firm, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great, great finish. It’s a gorgeous wine that will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20+ in cold cellars.”
Owen Bargreen-Vinous 97 points “The 2018 Red Wine Estate might just be the best edition ever of this incredible high-elevation bottling. It’s nothing short of a blending masterpiece by Chris Figgins and his winemaking team. This thing is massive monster of a wine that really needs several hours of air to get going. But once tamed, the aromatics explode out of the glass, unveiling dark currants, roasted figs, black rose petals and creosote tones with shades of green bell pepper from the Petit Verdot. The palate is soft and opulent in the mouth. Layers of crème de cassis, anise, violets, dark cherry cordial, graphite and espresso bean with green bell pepper undertones all brilliantly combine with a vibrant sense of tension, and firm tannins hold everything in place. While this is extraordinary to savor upon release, try your best to resist it for at least a few more years.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection 2021. Aromas of macerated cherry, coffee, flower, licorice and date lead to cherry, cranberry and raspberry flavors that give a full impression on the palate. There’s plenty of precision and detail to be had, so much acidity and a quite firm tannic structure. A big, burly, beautiful wine, it will last and drink well as long as you care to keep it. Don’t go near it now. Best after 2032. -Sean P. Sullivan”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price is $109

Rosé of the Day:

Bastide Blanche

“This cuvée is assembled by Peter Weygandt, of Weygandt-Metzler, at the domaine with the talented help of Stéphane Bourret, the winemaker, and the Bronzo family. This is delicious and very rewarding dry pink wine and, selling at almost half the price of Tempier’s Bandol Rosé, it is a real bargain!” –Kerry Winslow, Grapelive

Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2020 1.5L $59 special, 16 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange-pink. Expressive red berry, blood orange and pit fruit aromas are accompanied by building mineral and floral nuances. Taut and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, orange zest and lavender flavors braced by a spine of chalky minerality. Finishes silky and impressively long, with repeating mineral and floral notes.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91 points “A blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette and Ugni Blanc, La Bastide Blanche’s 2020 Bandol Rose bursts with scents of sun-warmed peaches, passion fruit and strawberries. It’s medium to full-bodied, mouthfilling and concentrated, yet finishes spry and refreshing, with a burst of salinity and citrus.”

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Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light, bright orange. Vibrant pomegranate, blood orange and pit fruit qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with building mineral and floral accents. Taut and focused in the mouth, nicely concentrated red berry, orange zest and lavender flavors are supported by an undercurrent of chalky minerality. Finishes floral and long, with repeating mineral and citrus fruit notes.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91 points “Regularly a top Bandol, the flamingo-pink 2021 Bandol Rose comes across initially as rather simple, fruity and easy. Plum, cherry and melon notes do add attractive hints of crushed stone and lime on the zesty-briny finish of this medium-bodied effort. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”

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Goodfellow

Marcus Goodfellow is one of the most talented winemakers in Oregon. These are profound wines, both white and red, that are made in a style that’s distinctly savory—no fruit bombs here. We love them for their coiled power and Burgundian structure. There’s a clear house styling that’s evident across the bottlings which include some of the best appellations in the Willamette Valley including the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge and Eola-Amity. Oregon Pinot Noir is often grouped into “Heavy or Light” but Goodfellows iterations defy this categorization by walking the middle road between both camps.

These are wines that speak with an Oregon voice, but the tannin and acidity comes from an old-world point of view. If you haven’t tried Marcus’ wines with some age, well, now’s your chance to grab some winery-cellared releases. 2011 Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley are among the most acid driven and long lived in the past decade or more, with many more years still left in their bottle age trajectory. If that wasn’t enough we also have small amounts left of his Syrah as well as his Chardonnay bottlings from various sites.

Highlights In Stock Now from Goodfellow:

Winery library release in spring 2022. Drinking impeccably now with numerous enthusiastic recent notes on CellarTracker, we just can’t get over how beautifully Marcus’ wines age.
Matello ‘Souris’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ml $54.50 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “(from fruit grown in the Whistling Ridge and Durant vineyards; made with 55% whole clusters and raised in 40% new oak): Vivid red. Vibrant red berry and Asian spice aromas are given depth by notes of vanilla and licorice and pick up a minerally nuance with air. Juicy raspberry and cherry-cola flavors tighten up in the mid-palate and show very good clarity. Finishes spicy and long, with silky tannins adding structure.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ml $38.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Whistling Ridge has intense, pure aromas of baked apples, pie crust, hazelnuts and flint. The palate is silky and expansive with plush, nutty flavors, seamless freshness and a very long finish.”
Winery note “A beautiful, linear wine, compelling aromatically, and elegant and lively in the mouth. Sea shell, salt water, white flowers, linen, almond, lemon oil, lit match, and lime skin. White chalky minerality, crisp, and with length.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ml $55 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Oh boy…first gravel and smoke, opening to fresh pear, hazelnuts, straw and raw grain, then lime and yuzu blossom. Old world notes of river stones, and seashells. Palate is immediately bright, stony, mineral, lime, clean, lucid, direct, and steely. Acidity runs through the wine from the front palate to the long, long, long finish. Like Corton from the mid-90s… 11.8% abv, finished under Diam 30. 155 cases.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ml $21.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Bright garnet. Zesty red fruits and spices on the nose, plus hints of blood orange and botanical herbs. Tangy and sharply focused, offering nervy red currant, bitter cherry, orange zest and licorice flavors that take a sweet turn on the back half. Closes long and smooth, with the spice and herb notes repeating. This is a distinctly savory, restrained Pinot, which is uncommon for an entry-level offering.”

Winery cellared release in 2022!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2014 750ml $69 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Vivid red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red berries, cherry, candied flowers and musky earth, backed by a touch of smokiness. Lively black raspberry and floral pastille flavors pick up hints of bitter chocolate and licorice with aeration. The clinging, focused finish features fine-grained, slow-mounting tannins and repeating floral character. Give this one a little air time.”
Grapelive 91 points “Delicately layered and spicy, the 2014 Bishop Creek is a pretty effort, especially for a richer vintage in Oregon. Made by Marcus Goodfellow, the ex-Evesham Wood and Westrey man, [he] is coming into his own as a talent, inspired by Doerner of Cristom and John Paul of Cameron. You can see the style showing through here. Bishop Creek, planted to Pommard and Wadenswil (old Swiss clone), [is] now owned by Nicolas Meo of the famed Burgundy Domaine Meo-Camuzet. [The vineyard] ([which is] not far from Shea Vineyards) formed this wine with its distinct strawberry and racy red cherry core along with the mixed spice, mineral tones and light wood influence. Its southern exposure and Willakenzie soils (dark rocky marine sediment) give warmth and grace. Planted in 1988, the vines ripen without flamboyant extraction, allowing more finesse to show through. At 13.9% this medium weight wine offers fine detail, opulence and restrained, almost earthy, soulfulness. Hints of bitter herb, cedar and candied citrus rind add a tangy note to the whole and the finish echoes the red fruits in subtle fashion with a touch of wilted roses lingering on. It shines right now, though best to enjoy it with cuisine to match as it is a tad shier than other 2014 Oregon Pinots (I’ve tried) and needs time and coaxing to reach its beautiful peak. Best from 2018 to 2022.”
Winery note “Twenty five year old un-grafted Wadensville vines, dry farmed in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA are handpicked for this wine. From 3 acres, each clone is fermented separately with native yeasts in small lots, typically with 50-60% whole-clusters. The wine is aged in 0%-40% new French oak barrels for 18-21 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered. There is intensity at Bishop Creek, with deep, dark toned fruit, a spicy floral edge and savory tones with acidity and length.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Long Acre Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ml $46 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid garnet. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes ripe red berries, potpourri and incense, along with exotic spice and subtle earth nuances that build as the wine opens up. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering appealingly sweet, expressive raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors accented by five-spice powder and black cardamom flourishes. Nicely concentrated but graceful as well, showing impressive finishing power, repeating florality and supple, well-knit tannins.
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Long Acre has a pale ruby color and slowly opening scents of amaro, licorice, charcuterie and dusty earth with a core of bright red and black berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh with loads of spicy accents lingering on the finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage #15, Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ml $66 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Translucent ruby. Expansive, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit preserve, potpourri and incense aromas are joined by hints of cola and botanical herbs as the wine opens up. Alluringly sweet and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry, cherry cola, star anise and candied rose flavors that slowly unfold through the back half. Smooth, polished tannins build slowly on the impressively long, focused finish, which strongly echoes the red fruit, floral and spice notes. This suave wine will age gracefully on its balance.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Shop our complete selection of wines from Marcus Goodfellow on our webstore now!

Daterra Viticultores – Laura Lorenzo

It goes without saying that organic and biodynamic farming methods have taken root in the wine industry around the world, with Spanish vignerons like Laura Lorenzo taking organic practices to the next level. She enrolled in enology school at 16 and worked in South Africa, Argentina, and Ribeira Sacra before starting her own winemaking company, Daterra Viticultores, in 2014 to craft minimalistic wines in Ribeira Sacra’s sub-region of Quiroga-Bibei from ancient, difficult to work vineyards.

Practicing regenerative agriculture with the express purpose to minimize impact on the ecosystem, her vineyards are entirely comprised of rehabilitated native varietals, most of which are 80-120 year old bush vines. The Quiroga-Bibei region is punctuated by undulating hills and rivers largely comprised of granite. Vineyards are precipitously planted on terraces carved by the Roman and Celtic inhabitants in millennia past, largely to field blends of indigenous grapes. This allows for wholly unique expressions vineyard to vineyard, hence Lorenzo’s propensity to vinify and bottle her wines by site.

“Laura Lorenzo is one of the most heroic and iconic winemakers in Spain these days and her Daterra Viticultores label is one of the most intriguing in the wine world… Daterra Viticultores wines… are sultry, earthy seductive and celebrate a sense of wildness that captures the essence of this region and the Galician cool Atlantic climate and rugged charms.” –Kerry Winslow, Grapelive

Highlights In Stock Now:

Daterra Viticultores ‘Azos da Vila’ Tinto, Galicia 2019 750ml $33 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91 points “Coming from the region of Manzaneda, the red 2019 Azos da Vila is dark and a little cloudy, earthy and with some rusticity. It was produced with grapes from ancient vineyards planted with Mencía, Mouratón and Merenzao that can represent 70% of the volume and then some Alicante Bouschet, Gran Negro and Palomino. There is a volatile whiff here and some notes of apple skin intermixed with notes of herbs and acid berries. It has a contained 12.5% alcohol and fine tannins. 51,84 bottles produced.”
Importer note “Field blend of Mouraton, Mencia, Garnacha Tintorera, Merenzao, Gran Negro, and other local varieties from 80-120-year-old vines on granitic soils near Manzaneda in the Val do Bibei. Grapes partially destemmed (50%), macerate for 15 days, and fermented with wild yeasts in an old, open-top French oak barrel. Raised for 11 months in used 225L & 500L chestnut and French oak barrels.”

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Daterra Viticultores ‘Casas de Enriba’ Galicia 2019 750ml $31.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Mencia from Laura’s own 20-25-year-old vines in Valdeorras, planted on granitic soils at an elevation of 550 meters. The grapes were partially destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to 4000L French oak barrels to rest for 10 months.”

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Daterra Viticultores ‘Portela do Vento’ Galicia 2018 750ml $31.90 special, 29 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93 points “The Portela Do Vento Tinto is composed of a blend of Mencía and Garnacha Tintorera, selected from several different vineyard parcels in both Quiroga and Amandi. The grapes are mostly destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, prior to racking to five hundred liter, used demi-muids for ten months of elevage. The 2018 Portela Do Vento comes in at a svelte twelve percent alcohol and delivers a beautiful, black fruity bouquet of cassis, dark berries, tree bark, coffee bean, slate, cigar smoke and just a touch of upper register botanicals. On the palate the wine is precise, full-bodied and tangy, with a lovely core of fruit, excellent slate undertow, fine-grained tannins and a long, complex, palate-staining and focused finish. This is pure, light on its feet and excellent! 2023-2045+.”
Importer Note “Comes from several south-facing parcels of Menci´a and Garnacha Tintorera in the Amandi and Quiroga-Bibei subzones. The grapes were harvested by hand and mostly destemmed, fermented with wild yeasts in steel vats, and raised for 9 months in used 500 liter French barrels. This is Laura’s “glou-glou” wine that she loves to share with her American friends. Fresh and easy-drinking, it is very versatile with a wide variety of foods…or straight from the porro´n!?”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Daterra Viticultores ‘Portela do Vento’ Galicia 2019 750ml $31.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “100% Mencia from a south-facing parcel of 50-year-old vines planted on granitic, sandy soils at an elevation of 350-400 meters in the Amandi subzone of Ribeira Sacra. The grapes were destemmed and partially crushed then fermented in a used 4000L French oak foudre. The wine then rested for 11 months in the same foudre.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Trending

A Cab/Syrah blend ready to take you to flavor town
L’Aventure Optimus Paso Robles 2019 750ml $57.50 special, 31 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Extremely aromatic with ripe chery and berry aromas, as well as flowers and citrus. Medium to full body with fine, polished tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is really well done and one of the most balanced L’Aventures I have encountered. Syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.”
Decanter 94 points “Lovely aromatic intensity, spicy and nuanced on the nose but incredibly well defined on the palate which is crisp and precise with flavours that glide across, so linear and straight. There’s a coolness to the fruit profile and a refreshing juiciness. Concentration and structure with good tannic grip – lots on offer here. A blend of 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. Wines are aged for 14 months in 89% new French oak and 11% one-year-old French oak with malolactic fermentation in barrel. No fining or filtering.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2019 Optimus should be snatched up by savvy readers. Based on 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot, it just about jumps out of the glass with gorgeous cassis, floral, pepper, and graphite-like aromas and flavors. As seamless as they come, this full-bodied, elegant, pleasure-bent 2019 is going to evolve for a decade.”

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $48 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $519 special (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Deep violet. Ripe, spice-accented dark berry and cherry preserve scents show strong garrigue and floral accents. Pliant in texture and broad in the mouth, offering sappy boysenberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors and a peppery topnote. Finishes long and gently chewy, with the floral and spice notes repeating.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Full-bodied, rich and highly textural, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Telegramme is atypically concentrated and dense, reflecting the addition of more old-vine Grenache to the cuvée. Black cherries, salted licorice and dark chocolate all make appearances, and the wine finishes long and velvety.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Bottled early in May, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Télégramme offers a big, up-front, impressive style with classic red and blue fruits as well as licorice, peppery herbs, and crushed stone-like minerality. It has medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a terrific level of class and elegance.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $56

A pretty little Pinot Noir rosé from the Loire!
Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Terre de Maimbray Rosé, Loire 2021 750ml $26 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Pinot Noir. The soil here is almost pure Terres Blanches – fossilized Marne/Kimmeridigian limestone and clay. The yields are low, about 50 Hl/Ha, with excellent natural ripeness and concentration of mineral character.”

Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ml $49 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “The grapes for this Brunello come from Fuligni’s oldest vines which typically go into the Riserva. In 2014, harvest was pushed back until mid-October in order to achieve full ripeness. The wine spent the first four to five months in small 5hl barrels to stabilise the colour, with the remaining time spent in traditional large botti. It opens with iron and savoury spice before revealing leather and tobacco leaf notes. There’s definitely some flesh to pad out the structure in this well-balanced example, with smoky incense notes on the finish. Drinking Window 2020 – 2028.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The Fuligni 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful wine. To my mind, it represents one of the best interpretations you will find from this difficult vintage that caused so much unease. The Fuligni family shows a deft hand, resulting in a wine that offers more balance, intensity and depth than a good majority of its peers. It opens to a compact and streamlined style, but it follows through with an articulate set of aromas including cassis, red rose, camphor ash and aniseed. The mouthfeel is thin in texture but lengthy in flavor and freshness. This is a very traditional expression of Sangiovese in heart and soul. Some 20,000 bottles were made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $73

Francois Gay

Francois Gay is a tiny estate located in Chorey-les-Beaune. The domaine retains the name of the father of the current owner and winemaker, 8th generation Pascal Gay. He took over the estate in the early aughts.

The region is known for offering fantastic values, and the Domaine could be the finest of the under-the-radar picks out there. These days, just a tiny fraction of Pascal’s roughly 3,000 case production makes it state-side. Most wines are snapped up in France by savvy restaurants and locals. In the glass, the wines offer charming fruit, intense flavors, and rustic and gamey expressions of terroir.

We’re not sure when you’ll run across these wines again: the importer has closed up shop. So consider this last call!

In Stock Now from Francois Gay:

Francois Gay et Fils Aloxe-Corton, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ml $49 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Francois Gay et Fils Aloxe-Corton, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ml $59 special, 5 bottles in stock now

These are the only listings in the USA today!

Francois Gay et Fils Corton Renardes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2009 750ml $135 special, 1 bottle in stock now

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Francois Gay et Fils Ladoix Rouge, Cote de Beaune 2010 750ml $59 special, 4 bottles in stock now

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Collector’s Corner:

2013 Burlotto Monvigliero

“A wine that will leave readers weak at the knees”

Burlotto is not the first name on many people’s lips when thinking of Barolo, and it’s a shame since G.B. Burlotto was considered among the absolute greatest winemakers in the world for the seventy plus years he was at the helm. After his passing in 1927, the winery and his hometown of Verduno slipped into obscurity. Now Fabio Alessandria, the great-great-grandson has taken over and Burlotto regained the place it deserves among the best small producers in the Piedmont.

Tradition is first and foremost for Fabio, going so far as to use gentle crushing by foot followed by a sixty day maceration period, once common but now virtually unheard of in Barolo. The technique is used for the home vineyard of Monvigliero and the soft touch develops a wine of remarkable character with notes of cedar, olives in herbs, and something rich – like truffles – the feel is structurally powerful, but so elegant as to be shimmery. All seems to going in the right direction for Burlotto, including a perfect 100 from Galloni on the 2013 Monvigliero, which we were able to secure for you today.

In Stock Now:

G. B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ml $599 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 100 points “Burlotto’s 2013 Barolo Monvigliero is simply magnificent. In many vintages, a young Monvigliero can come across as disjointed, especially in the aromatics and the pungent, savory notes can be overpowering. Not in 2013. All the elements are in perfect balance. A wine of soaring aromatic intensity, pedigree and class, the 2013 is thrilling from the very first taste. Rose petal, lavender, violet, spice, orange peel, white pepper and cinnamon are some of the many notes that infuse the super-expressive finish. All of Burlotto’s 2013 Barolos are exceptional. But the Monvigliero, well, it enters the realm of the deeply moving. It is a wine that will leave readers weak at the knees.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $675

“In 2013, a cool growing season and late harvest produced gorgeous Barolos with striking aromatics, silky tannins, sculpted, vibrant fruit and mid-weight structures. Readers will find a number of thrilling, utterly captivating wines that speak to the pedigree and class that are the signatures of the best Barolo vintages… Overall, the 2013s are Barolos that speak to finesse above all else. These are wines that will hold considerable appeal to readers who enjoy classically built wines.” –Antonio Galloni

Friday Night Newsletter 9-2-22

In This Newsletter:

Featured New Arrival:
Emrich-Schonleber

New Week – New Arrivals

Staff Pick: Sylvain Pataille

Corliss Bliss

Von Winning

Collector’s Corner:
Hubert Lignier

Vinopolis Wine Shop

Will Be Closed Wednesdays

We’re open for our regularly scheduled hours all other days:

10 am – 6 pm

Can’t wait? Browse & shop our webstore here!

Featured New Arrival:

Emrich-Schonleber

Excellence in Stony Minerality

Despite the fame and renown of the estate inside Germany, Emrich-Schonleber flies under the radar in the USA. These are spectacular wines—every bit the equal of Dönnhoff, their main competition in the Nahe. This is a venerable estate (they go back 250 years) working at peak form as the current generation steps into the vanguard at the winery.

Newly Arrived:

Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2021 750ml $24 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 91 points “Plenty of pink and yellow grapefruit, but also white peach. Very crisp and bright with notes of citrus and peachy fruit on the sleek and vibrant palate. Long, wet-stone and lemon-zest finish. Easily enough substance to carry the very bright acidity. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Fruhtau Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2021 750ml $39 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Brimming with white fruit and Amalfi lemon with delicate aromas of spring blossoms. Juicy and pithy palate that’s quite compact, the fine tannins quite pronounced. Lime-zest note at the very crisp finish. With plenty of aeration this turns in a more fruity direction and that suggests it just needs a bit of time. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Halgans Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Although this is still very youthful, the pink-grapefruit and apricot aromas on the nose make it very attractive. Some smoke, too. Great tension and minerality on the powerful and racy palate. Pristine and precise finish that has enough energy for long aging. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Riesling Trocken ‘Mineral’, Nahe 2021 750ml $36 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “The intense aroma of red-fleshed vineyard peach is married to intense wet-stone minerality on the sleek yet compact palate. Then it leaps out like a mountain stream cascading down an Alpine cliff face at the very racy finish. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Monzinger Riesling Kabinett, Nahe 2021 750ml $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A very succulent and refreshing Kabinett that’s brimming with zesty freshness, the natural grape sweetness clearly there on the rather generous front palate, but the finish is pretty dry, with wonderful passion-fruit and lime acidity. Super-clean finish. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Rivaner Trocken, Nahe 2021 750ml $19.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Weissburgunder Trocken, Nahe 2021 750ml $29 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Striking pink-grapefruit, sliced-pear and floral nose with just a hint of vanilla. Creamy medium-bodied palate with good juiciness, then the fine tannins gently build at the finish, where there are plenty of fresh nuts and wet-stone minerality. Animating, citrusy acidity. Fermented and matured in large oak casks without malolactic fermentation. Drink or hold.”

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New Week – New Arrivals

Rosé

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé, Provence, France 2021 750ml $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “Not included in the blind tasting at the local syndicat, Tempier’s 2021 Bandol Rose nevertheless looked good when I tasted it at the estate. It’s a very fine, elegant example of Bandol rosé, with notes of passion fruit and pink grapefruit leading the way in a tightly knit, medium-bodied package that adds promising hints of white peach and anise on the lingering finish.”

California

Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2014 750ml $699 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith opens with compelling crème de cassis, wild blueberries, anise, chocolate mint and black earth scents plus suggestions of candied violets, cinnamon stick, tar, cigar box and smoked meats. Full-bodied, rich, super firm and built like a brick house, the palate offers layer upon layer of very tightly wound, subtly nuanced flavors leading to a very long, very perfumed and minerally finish. If any Hundred Acre wine can live for 100 years, this is certainly a contender.”

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Sanford Winery Chardonnay, Sta Rita Hills 2018 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills was barrel fermented and aged 11 months in 16% new French oak. It has soft notions of baker’s yeast, poached pears, perfumed white peaches and beeswax with a light to medium-bodied palate that’s fresh, bright and gently yeasty with an uplifted finish. 8,971 cases produced.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $33.99

France – Bordeaux

Chateau L’Eglise-Clinet, Pomerol 2014 750ml $239 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94-97 points “The 2014 L’Eglise Clinet is a real head-turner. Gorgeous, super-expressive aromatics meld into a core of dark, sumptuous fruit. Lavender, mint, violets, graphite and crème de cassis notes abound in a powerful, structured wine endowed with magnificent purity and a skyscraper-like sense of lift. Finesse and power collide in a crystalline Pomerol of exceptional beauty. Powerful and dense to the core, the 2014 is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2014 L’Eglise Clinet was tasted from a single bottle but from two glasses, each poured at different times before I arrived for the tasting. They were almost identical on the nose but the one poured later was more compact. It has a very pure bouquet with blackberry, myrtle, a touch of iris and a touch of garrigue (actually reminiscent of fynbos, the wild South African shrubland). The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, a silver bead of acidity, wonderful precision and beguiling purity. This is an outstanding Pomerol for the vintage from Denis Durantou, sophisticated and classy, yet the bottom line is quintessentially Pomerol. Bravo Denis.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This has a big ball of raspberry confiture at the core, with dark licorice and warm fruitcake notes. Hedonistic only to a point, as a serious graphite beam runs throughout, giving this serious drive through the finish. This will keep pace with the top dogs in this vintage. Best from 2020 through 2035. 1,835 cases made. — JM”

France – Alsace

Trimbach Riesling Selection de Vieilles Vignes, Alsace 2017 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “#2 WOTY 2020. Initial smoky notes of reduction make way for a pervasive, subtle but luminous lemon freshness on the nose of this wine. The palate shows exquisite concentration in lemon freshness. It’s bone dry, vivid and fresh. Drink until 2045. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
James Suckling 95 points “Solid white with density and searing dryness and minerality that is very impressive with sliced apples, lemons and white peaches. Super energy. Drink now or hold.”

Italy – Venato

Nino Franco Rustico, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV 750ml $16.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 94 points “[Reviewed November 2021] This lovely sparkler never disappoints. It’s fragrant, with delicate scents of white spring flowers and white stone fruits while the dry, refreshing palate offers ripe pear, apple and white peach alongside a hint of fennel seed. An elegant perlage and fresh acidity provide the backdrop.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $22

Italy – Friuli

We’re always on the lookout for intriguing wines from off the beaten path. Peter Radovič (pronounced rad-oh-vich) is producing metaphysical, skin-contact wines on the Istrian Peninsula in the tiny piece of Italy that hugs the coast as it dips into Slovenia and Croatia. Grapes are grown near Trieste in shallow, 6 inch top soils above a hard limestone bedrock. The wines are fermented in vats carved out of the limestone itself before aging in neutral barrels. These are gorgeous wines that bring to mind the esoteric yet utterly quaffable wines produced by the Monastero Suore Cistercensi (it feels sacrilegious to describe the Sisters of the Cistercian order’s wines as “cult,” but, with guidance from Giampiero Bea of Paolo Bea, these wines are hard to find and highly allocated).

Radovič Malavizija Malvasia Istriana Bianco del Carso 2020 750ml $33 special, 24 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Aged for seven days on the skins, this is deeply impactful and fragrant, with a clinging waxy feel to the texture.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Radovič Inkanto Bianco del Carso 2020 750ml $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: This is a field blend of Vitovska and ancient vines of three other varieties whose names are lost to time. It spent three days on the skins and offers steely acidity and red berry notes, reminiscent of a still Blanc de Noir Champagne.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Radovič Marmor Vitovska Bianco del Carso 2020 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Floral and citrus-driven, this is an utterly irresistible example of this enchanting grape, Vitovska, that was put on the map by Vodopivec.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Radovič Raro Terrano Rosso del Carso 2020 750ml $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: The only red produced by Peter Radovic, this has bright streak of acidity with dark berry aromas. This is 100% Terrano, a member of the ancient Refosco family of dark-skinned grapes native to the region.

Italy – Lombardy

Ar. Pe. Pe. Grumello Grumello Rocca de Piro Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2015 750ml $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Fruit for this wine comes from the high altitudes of the Rhaetian Alps, where decomposed granite soils make for a dark contrast against brilliant white ice and snow falls. The Ar. Pe. Pe. 2015 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Grumello Rocca de Piro reveals a long succession of dried raspberry, cassis, pressed violets, iron ore and crushed stone. This wine promises to make a terrific pairing with a simple plate of thinly sliced Valtellina bresaola. Some 30,000 bottles were made.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Initially shy, the subtle nose eventually reveals new leather, Alpine herb and wild berry. The savory palate has an understated elegance, offering Marasca cherry, pomegranate and graphite alongside refined tannins. Drink through 2027. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Spectator 92 points “An elegant light- to medium-bodied red, with fine tannins creating a supple frame for flavors wild strawberry, black tea leaf and a ferrous, minerally underpinning. It’s fresh and focused, with a lingering, lightly spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. –AN”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $58

Ar. Pe. Pe. Sassella Stella Retica Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2015 750ml $45 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “$59. From Sassella, one of the most celebrated villages in the greater Valtellina appellation on the northern bank of the Adda River, this is the quintessential mountain Nebbiolo. Named for the “star of the Rhaetian Alps,” the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2015 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Sassella Stella Retica opens slowly to reveal wild berry, cassis, smoke, tar and crushed granite. The wine is gentle and polished, wrapping smoothly over the senses. It has has ample time to soften in the bottle and is drinking beautifully right now with some Alpine cheese wedges. Some 42,000 bottles were made.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Woodland berry, camphor, wild rose and wet stone aromas shape the nose. The chiseled palate delivers red cherry, cranberry, Alpine herb and star anise set against taut, ultrafine tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2022–2030.”

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Australia

Two Hands Wines Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2020 750ml $33 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “There’s lots to admire in this compact red, which offers dense, firm tannins and accents of Earl Grey tea, smoked paprika, bay leaf, blackberry, blueberry and a hint of sweet mint on the finish. Drink now through 2036. 4,500 cases imported. — MW”

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Staff Pick: Sylvain Pataille

Sylvain Pataille is becoming the cult producer of all cult producers in the northern village area of Marsannay in the Cote de Nuit. His natural, authentic, and never compromising wine style is winning the hearts of wine fans worldwide. Don’t expect any of these wines to remain under 3 digits price in the near future. Get some before it’s too late!

Featured Pick:

Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Blanc, Cote de Nuits 2019 750ml $49 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “Standard Chardonnay fruit is blended with the Chardonnay Rose clone from Clos du Roy, En Blungey and several smaller parcels. Fermented on native yeasts in cask (one-third new), the old vines give the blend a delicious, ripe apple aroma, with hints of fresh white flowers and a texture that is soft and somewhat broad. Lovely. Drinking Window 2021 – 2034.”

Shop the full selection on our web store now!

Corliss Bliss

“The team at Corliss continues to pretty much knock it out of the park in every vintage. These aren’t shy wines by any measure, yet they hold onto a terrific sense of elegance and freshness and are beautiful wines readers will love.” –Jeb Dunnuck

Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2016 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 97 points “Dark medium ruby. Multidimensional nose melds crushed currant, blueberry, blackberry, violet, licorice and coffee. Boasts extraordinary grain and textural density: plush, broad and savory, saturating every square millimeter of the mouth without leaving any impression of weightiness. Utterly classic Cabernet with serious inherent sweetness to its dark berry, licorice and floral flavors. Finishes with noble tannins, an element of sexy oak spices and incredible mounting length. I found myself wondering if this impeccably balanced wine (the pH is 3.8 at the most, according to assistant winemaker Elliott) will ever really shut down in the bottle. Still, it would be a shame not to give it at least a couple years of cellaring when it’s released in the fall of 2021. (this Cabernet Sauvignon actually contains tiny percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, but the two varieties make up less than 5% of the wine).”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a deep core of fruit and dusty minerality on the nose, with underlying aromas of rich red cherries, black plum, cassis and a soft, savory tone. Full-bodied on the palate, the wine is still youthfully tight, with a firm, structured and broad-shouldered core and long, complex finish. Boldly structured tannins and a firm crunchiness to the wine make this serious Cabernet a special treat. You can bet that once it’s released, this is going to be a collector’s wine. Just give it time—it’s going to age like a champion. 955 cases produced.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “All varietal and aged in 70% new oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple color as well as impressive Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and cedar pencil. It’s a rich, powerful, full-bodied wine with plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age but is a beautiful wine that’s going to age gracefully. Hats off to winemaker Andrew Trio for another beautiful set of wines!”

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Von Winning

Von Winning makes some of the most profound white wines on the planet. The combination of incredible vineyard sites, meticulous winemaking and a commitment to producing only the finest wines yields exactly what you’d hope: white wines of depth and complexity, with grace and mineral power. The Rieslings are dry, but unlike some of their neighbors, powerful fruit isn’t the goal here. No, the Von Winning’s Rieslings offer floral and mineral flavors that are both intense and furtive.

But what really separates Von Winning from their peers in Germany are their Sauvignon Blancs. Germany is of course not where you’d expect to find some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world, but the wines will make a believer out of anyone. These are rich, textural examples that move beyond varietal characteristics and into unique territory. Their closest comparison is probably the top Sauvignon of Friuli (eg, Miani, Ronco del Gnemiz), or the very best estates in Austria.

“The fact that this estate is crafting some of the very best dry wines in Germany is no fluke, rather a result of nearly obsessive winemaker Stephan Attman’s commitment to both dedicated cultivation of Deidesheim and Forst’s best sites and meticulous work in the cellar. Von Winning maintains some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs vineyards smattered across Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg. Attman’s every decision is informed by great enthusiasm and experiences at estates in the Cote d’Or and abroad.” – Skurnik Wines

We have a broad selection of Sauvignon Blancs arriving in the fall, as well as an assortment of Rieslings in stock now. Shop the full range on our web store now or browse highlights below!

Highlights in stock now:

Von Winning Pinot Noir Rosé, Pfalz 2021 750ml $18.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Skurnik Wines note “Region: Pfalz. Grape Variety: [Pinot Noir] Vineyards: Mix of sites in Diedesheim and Rupertsberg. Soil Types: Red sandstone, limestone, loess and clay. Age of Vines: 25 years. Farming Technique: Sustainable. Fermentation & Elevage: respectful cooperation with nature in the vineyard and minimal interference with the wine’s inner structure in the cellar.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $23.99

Von Winning Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2020 750ml $19.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Limestone, Loam, & Red Sandstone. Fermentation & Elevage: Stainless Steel.”

Von Winning Deidesheimer Kalkofen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Pfalz 2019 750ml $75 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93-94 points “From calcareous soils, the Deidesheimer Riesling 2019 Kalkofen GG offers a clear, intense and aromatic bouquet with very fine aromas of lanolin, clove and vanilla from the oak vats. Full-bodied and enormously juicy on the palate, this is a generous and hedonistic but nevertheless subtle and refined Riesling that reveals ripe peach aromas and a fine, harmonious texture with a quiet, subtly juicy flow. The acidity is delicate and stimulatingly salty on the finish. A gorgeous wine tasted as a sample in May 2020.”

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Von Winning Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2019 750ml $31.90 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92-93 points “The 2019 Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling is very fine and sublime as well as complex on the deep, multi-layered and coolish, terroir-driven and slightly flinty nose that is really spectacular for this price point. It comes from vines grown on the eastern slope of the 1er cru (an extension of the Langenmorgen Grand Cru) on deep, calcareous loam and red sandstone. This is an elegant, juicy, very fine and salty-piquant Riesling with a core of white stone fruits and notes of peach stone. The finish is long and intense and is carried by vivacious, structuring acidity. The aftertaste reveals flavors of white vineyard peach. This is a beautiful wine and by far the best Paradiesgarten I have tasted from this producer. Tasted as a sample in May 2020.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Von Winning Ungeheuer Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Pfalz 2018 750ml $69 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “Pure, clear, fresh and oaky on the deep, intense and elegant nose, von Wininng’s 2018 Ungeheuer GG “VDP. Grosse Lage” is sweetish, round and all too charming for my personal tastes, but it’s elegant, refined and persistently long on the complex and promising finish. Fine tannin grip and orange peel flavors on the finish. Tasted in Deidesheim, December 2019.”

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Collector’s Corner:

Hubert Lignier

Hubert Lignier is one of the finest names in Burgundy. The wines have been a core of the Neal Rosenthal portfolio since the 1978 vintage and have always been one of its jewels. These are some of the defining wines of Morey-St. Denis, different from Dujac stylistically but no less profound.

In Stock Now from Domaine Hubert Lignier:

Domaine Hubert Lignier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $299 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin MW – Decanter 95 points “Laurent Lignier’s Charmes comes from a tiny 0.1ha parcel in Mazoyères, close to the Aux Combottes premier cru. It’s an intensely perfumed, come-hither Pinot that’s floral, silky and svelte, with 20% whole-bunch spice and 30% new wood adding further complexity. 2024-2029. (Nov 2018)”
Neal Martin – Vinous 92-94 points “The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches, matured in one-third new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet of cranberry and raspberry fruit with veins of cassis; later, brown spices emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, good depth and fine grip, perhaps just missing a little precision toward the finish but still very fine.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $365

Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2018 750ml $519 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2018 1.5L $1049 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Laurent Lignier uses 0.8ha of his two holdings in the climats of Les Fremières and Monts Luisants to produce this refined expression of Clos de la Roche. Savoury and sweet, with 30% whole clusters adding aromatic spices and extra structure in 2018, this is graceful, subtle and concentrated with palate-caressing summer berry fruit and refreshing palate length. Drinking Window 2026 – 2036.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Revisited in bottle, Lignier’s 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru lives up to its fine performance in barrel, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries and orange rind mingled with truffle, espresso roast, loamy soil and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, concentrated and seamless, it’s layered and vibrant, with a deep core of pure fruit that largely conceals impressive reserves of fine, powdery tannins. Concluding with a long and saline finish, it will merit and reward at least a dozen years’ patience, likely hitting its stride around age 20.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 points “The 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comprises one-third whole bunch and 30% new oak. The nose is uncharacteristically backward, though with coaxing it offers enticing dark cherries, blackberry, sous-bois and pine aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit and a fine bead of acidity. Taut and linear, leading to a very precise, persistent finish that is a pure joy. Divine.”

Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $81.80 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Note “The Ligniers purchased the fruit for this wine, but they oversee the vineyard work from July onward, as well as the harvest itself. Produced from parcels in two lieu-dits—15-year-old vines in “Epointures” and 60-year-old vines in “Reniard”—this is pitch-perfect Gevrey-Chambertin: meaty and succulent, with classic Lignier poise and a long, mineral-drenched, driving finish.”

Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrees, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $89 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 89-91 points “The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées contains around 20% whole bunch fruit. It has a fresh, generous bouquet, hints of brown spice infusing the red fruit. The palate is well balanced with sappy red fruit laced with orange peel, quite firm grip in the mouth and a slightly austere finish at the moment. Give this three or four years.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées is showing very well, unfurling in the glass with suggestions of cassis, raspberries, sweet soil tones and spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, ample and nicely concentrated, with good depth at the core and fine-grained but firm, even chalky, structuring tannins. This should evolve well in bottle.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ml $459 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “(the Ligniers do not do the harvest here; made from 50-year-old vines; 100% destemmed): Healthy full red. Pungent aromas of purple fruits, menthol and crushed rock. Quite pliant on entry, then precise and perfumed in the middle palate, showing noteworthy energy and lift to its flavors of small wild red fruits, minerals and spices. Not a particularly tannic wine but juicy, refined and long.”
William Kelley-Decanter 92 points “This year’s Griotte is an elegant middle-weight, offering up notes of creamy red cherry and meaty soil tones, followed by a supple, reserved wine with nice detail and a chalky, mineral finish. A pretty wine but, like the Charmes, this very much plays second fiddle to the superb Clos de la Roche in 2016.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $519 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from purchased fruit. It has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry, raspberry coulis and light cassis aromas, and the one-third new oak is neatly integrated. The fleshy, generous palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and fine acidity, leading to a smooth, sensual finish. This might be earlier-drinking than Lignier’s other two Grand Crus.”

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The next best price is $589

Domaine Hubert Lignier La Riotte, Morey St Denis Premier Cru 2017 750ml $159 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 90-93 points “The supplest, most open-knit of Lignier’s premiers crus from Morey, the 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte bursts with aromas of plummy fruit, red currants, subtle spices and rose hip. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and expansive, with a layered mid-palate, fine but chalky tannins and a saline finish. This will win friends in its youth.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis La Riotte is aged in one-third new oak and includes 20% whole bunches. It has an expressive bouquet with touches of mint that infuse the vibrant red fruit. The dense, fresh palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on the entry and hints of sour cherry toward the edgy finish. Good potential here.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Tres Girard, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $89 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 89-91 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard has a refined bouquet of ample red berry fruit, nicely defined and revealing hints of orange blossom. The palate is well balanced with supple tannin, nice focus and a caressing texture toward the finish. Lovely.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Poisets, Cote de Nuits 2017 1.5L $199 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Tim Atkin MW – Decanter 92 points “This is comparatively new to the Lignier portfolio as the family only bought this vineyard in 2010. The impressive village site sits below the Les Cailles premier cru on the south side of Nuits-St-Georges. Old-vine concentration, 25% whole bunches and 20% new wood all contribute to the quality of this sappy, intense, mineral-edged red. Drink between 2021-2027.”
John Gilman 91+ points “The 2017 les Poisets includes twenty-five percent whole clusters this year and is a superb Nuits villages. The bouquet is deep and very precise, wafting from the glass in a fine blend of roasted black cherries, gamebird, dark soil tones, bitter chocolate, a nice touch of spice from the stems, gently savory elements and a bit of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, soil-driven and quite elegant in structural chassis, with a fine core of fruit, lovely soil signature, ripe tannins and a long, complex and very well-balanced finish. Laurent noted that tis wine was one of the few to have a fairly late malo, as it finished up in June, so the wine was a bit behind the others in evolution and may well be hiding a bit of the sappiness that is so much on display in the other villages level wines this year. In any event, this is going to be excellent. 2025-2060.”

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Thank you from the small but mighty team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.

Friday Night Newsletter 8-26-22

In This Newsletter:

New Weekend – New Arrivals

Tour Germany’s Saar Region with Peter Lauer!

Domaine Rapet

Stellar Salvioni

Collector’s Corner:
2017 Produttori Crus

Vinopolis Wine Shop

Will Be Closed

Wednesday, August 31st

We’re open for our regularly scheduled hours all other days:

10 am – 6 pm

Can’t wait? Browse & shop our webstore here!

New Weekend – New Arrivals

Oregon

Hope Well ‘Monday’s Child’ Pinot Noir Rosé, Eola Amity Hills 2021 750ml $44 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Mimi Casteel’s note “Monday’s Child, in traditional rosé style, spent less than 24 hours on the skins and went to press cold. A cold and brief infusion to preserve the layers of crisp flavor and the effusive bouquet of spring flowers and berries. Alcohol 13.0%”

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Hope Well ‘Tuesday’s Child’ Pinot Noir Rosé, Eola Amity Hills 2021 750ml $44 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Mimi Casteel’s note “Tuesday’s Child spent 48 hours on skins, a longer infusion, at ambient temperature (which was cool, not cold) before going to the press. At 48 hours she was a completely different child than her sister, spice and bramble in her hair. Alcohol 13.6%”

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Vincent Rosé Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $19.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Our first wine of the exciting 2021 vintage, this is mostly whole cluster pressed and old barrel fermented Pinot Gris from 1990s vines at Zenith Vineyard. I managed to secure a nice acre of Pinot Gris at Zenith for the long term so there’s more to come in the future too! This Rosé also contains small amounts of Pinot Noir and Gamay, for color and texture with the very mineral Gris. I really appreciate all the interest in our first Rosé last year, I think this one is even better and we have more of it. 12% alcohol. Three barrels produced.”

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England

Ambriel Classic Cuvee Sparkling, Sussex, England NV 750ml $29 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “A refined, elegant style of English sparkling wine with subtle nuances of green apple and floral notes on the nose. A gentle, persistent, mousse with fresh and driving acidity on the palate. Elegant finish with a hint of sweet fruit. Drinking Window 2021 – 2030.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $39

France – Champagne

Bereche et Fils Ambonnay Grand Cru Millesime, Champagne 2016 750ml $199 special, 6 bottles in stock now

Bereche et Fils Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru, Champagne 2016 750ml $199 special, 6 bottles in stock now

Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte Anne Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Summer 2022 release! 2019-base. Reviews are for 2018-base.
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The NV Brut Cuvée Ste.-Anne is one of the great values in Champagne. Broad and creamy, with high-toned aromatics, the Cuvée Ste.-Anne is a total pleasure bomb. The intensity of the flavors is so beautifully dialed up. Orchard fruit, dried flowers and spice all flesh out effortlessly. More than anything, though, I admire the wine’s balance and raciness. This release is based on 2018. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: March, 2021.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Based on the 2018 vintage and disgorged in March 2021 with five grams per liter dosage, Chartogne’s newly released NV Brut Sainte Anne reveals inviting aromas of pear, white peach, fresh bread and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, it’s seamless and enveloping, with a generous core of fruit, lively acids and a pillowy mousse. It’s a lovely wine that wears its heart on its sleeve.”

France – Rhône & Southern

Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas Le Lieu Dit, Rhône 2019 750ML $88 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The 2019 Gigondas Le Lieu-Dit is as good as it gets – hats off to the young Julien Brechet for one of the finest Gigondas ever made. Coming from a cooler, sandy terroir next to this estate and all Grenache, it was 70% destemmed and spent 18 months in used demi-muids before being moved to concrete tanks prior to bottling. A Grand Cru Red Burgundy-like array of wild strawberries, framboise, flowers, sappy green herbs, and spice all emerge on the nose. This is followed by a seamless, full-bodied, incredibly pure Gigondas that’s more about finesse and elegance than sheer power. I love it today, yet it has the balance, as well as structure, to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for two decades if stored properly.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Bold raspberry and black cherry aromas are laced with Campari-like spice on the nose of the stunning 2019 Gigondas Le Lieu Dit, which comes from a sandy, southwest-facing parcel that is consistently among the last plots on the estate to be harvested. Full-bodied and velvety in texture, this is a rich, tannic (but ripe) example of Grenache that should be capable of aging well for close to two decades.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Delicious crushed raspberry and blackberry coulis flavors weave together, giving this version an equally enticing textural edge, while mouthwatering red licorice and rooibos tea notes stitch up the edges. Subtle mineral note infuses the finish, giving this a subtle grounding as the fruit sails through. Drink now through 2035. 540 cases made, 50 cases imported. — JM”

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La Colline aux Fossiles Chardonnay, Vin de France 2019 750ml $16 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “All Chardonnay brought up in used demi-muids, the 2019 La Colline Aux Fossiles sports a medium gold hue to go with terrific stone fruits, caramelized citrus, white flowers, and honeysuckle-like aroma and flavors as well as a beautiful sense of minerality that emerges with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with a layered mouthfeel and a great finish, it’s another knockout Chardonnay from the team of Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage.”

Italy

Jeio (Bisol) Prosecco Brut DOC, Veneto NV 750ml $14.75 special, 12 bottles in stock now
“Flavors of tart lemon and tangy green apple finish with a wash of cleansing salinity. The fruit carries enough weight to work well at the dinner table.” -Wine & Spirits Magazine
“Green apple and fragrant spring-blossom aromas leap out of the glass while the enjoyable palate delivers creamy white peach, citrus and pear. It’s bright and charming, with crisp acidity and a foaming mousse.” Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast

Spain

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML $228 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Daphne Glorian note, from Eric Solomon Selections “2019 was a dramatic change from 2018, with little rain during the winter (less than 136 liters between January and September), resulting in a drought compounded by an unheard-of heatwave in June, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees (107 F.) for almost a week. But trust the vines of the Priorat. Even though the extreme temperatures of June hit them hard, they are used to harsh conditions, and they adapted, returning to their normal thrifty mode. The resulting volumes were, of course, almost 20% below those of 2018 but in line with the yields we often get, 18-19 hectolitres per hectare. Harvest began at the end of August with Syrah and finished only a day earlier than average on September 18th. As expected, the combination of low yields and high temperatures speeded up the ripening process. The wines are a perfect example of Mediterranean varieties producing their best under challenging conditions. They are concentrated, solar, and yet velvety, with a strong will but happy demeanor.”

Conreria d’Scala Dei Black Slate Escaladei, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML $24 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Solomon Selections note “Black Slate Escaladei, a blend of Garnatxa with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and/or Carinyena sourced from the foothills of the Montsant mountains. It stands out among its Black Slate siblings as the most elegant of the lineup, inclined more towards red fruit than black, with a high-toned minerality and spiciness. It is selected from fruit aged in foudre and French oak demi-muids.”

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Bodegas Mas Alta Black Slate La Vilella Alta, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML $24 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Solomon Selections note “Eric Solomon, Bixente Oçafrain, and Philippe Cambie collaborate to create Black Slate La Vilella Alta by selecting Garnacha and Carinyena grown on both licorella and clay-limestone soils. A blend of old and young-vine fruit and small additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, La Vilella Alta is a dense and intensively flavored wine fermented in tank and aged in French oak barrels, of which 30% are new.”

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Bodegas Rafael Palacios ‘As Sortes Val do Bibei’ Godello, Valdeorras 2019 750ML $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Decanter 98 points “Sampled from a vat, this is one of the best As Sortes I have ever tasted, comparable to the iconic 2011. It’s a prodigy of subtleness and elegance. Everything is firmly delicate in this wine. Restrained aromas open up parsimoniously, with a steely structure like a great Burgundy, but with flinty acidity almost like Grosses Gewächs from Rheingau. Despite the fact that the sample was not yet bottled, the wine had no oak influence, just the indication that it had been aged, as top Godello must. Rafael Palacios is refining his work year after year, reaching the magic of the greatest wines. A top wine, and one to keep.”

Tour Germany’s Saar Region with Peter Lauer!

“In these great and exceedingly rare wines of the Saar, there is a combination of qualities which I can perhaps best describe as indescribable – austerity coupled with delicacy and extreme finesse, an incomparable bouquet, a clean, very attractive hardness tempered by a wealth of fruit and flavor which is overwhelming.” – Frank Schoonmaker, The Wines of Germany (1956).

The Saar is one of the coldest areas in the entire Mosel, and has one of the smallest production footprints compared to the other sub-areas. This is largely due to the exposure to the frigid east winds, which causes temperatures to drop precipitously almost as soon as the sun sets. This results in a race to harvest in most vintages, but is rapidly changing due to climate change.

In previous decades this was a growing area known for producing a good vintage 3-4 times every 10, not unlike in Port and Champagne. Due to the challenge of ripening the majority of the styles of wine coming from this area feature high acids, delicate stone fruit character and a steely minerality with plenty of age potential regardless of how much sweetness is still present at bottling, such as the filigreed wines of Peter Lauer.

“This is the Saar and Florian Lauer is currently one of the greatest winemakers in this sacred place… Vintage 2021 is one of the first truly cool vintages in about a decade; it is a piquant middle-finger to our age of climate change and ubiquitous ripeness. This vintage is a time machine to a colder time. This vintage is fresh spring peas after a decade or two of foie gras. WARNING: I write the following sentence as a German wine fanatic and collector and not as an importer: I personally am going very deep in 2021. Maybe such an admission – putting your money where your mouth is, as it were – is meaningful to you personally, maybe it isn’t. I’m just telling you a fact. As an importer, however, I want to write something grander, a bit more philosophical and heady in that vaguely impactful way. So here it is: I think 2021 will prove to be one of the most defining, most consequential vintages of our era.” –Vom Boden (US Importer for Peter Lauer)

2021 Arrivals from Peter Lauer:

Peter Lauer ‘Barrel X’ Saar Riesling, Mosel 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Vom Boden note “The most important category of Lauer wines we’ll call the “terroir” wines. These are the Rieslings that have made Lauer so famous. These wines eschew the whole Prädikat system (Kabinett, Spätlese, etc) completely. They ferment spontaneously with natural yeasts and thus they find their own balance. In most cases they have a bit more residual sugar than a purely dry wine, yet not nearly enough sugar to be considered sweet. Let’s call them dry-tasting to off dry. First, there is the appellation-level Barrel X. This is Lauer’s Platonic ideal of what a Saar Riesling should be. If we were in Burgundy this would be the equivalent of a Bourgogne Blanc. As an appellation-level wine, it is sourced from multiple vineyards in three different villages of the Saar. This is always a thrilling off-dry and a silly value.”

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Peter Lauer Ayler Riesling Fass 25 Trocken, Mosel 2021 750ml $28 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 88 points “The 2021er Ayler Riesling N°25 is a dry wine (with 6 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit picked on the Scheidterberg and Rauberg side hills. It proves rather backward and only reveals shy scents of bergamot, mirabelle, and smoky elements on the nose. After extensive airing, a touch of earthy spices joins the party. The wine proves firm and rather structured on the palate and leaves a precise and focused feel of tart herbs and faint orchard fruits in the long finish. The aftertaste is all about smoke at this stage. This wine will really benefit from a year or more of bottle aging and should then prove a spicy expression of dry Saar Riesling. 2023-2026.”

Peter Lauer Ayler Riesling Fass 4 Feinherb, Mosel 2021 750ml $28 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 89 points “The 2021er Ayler Riesling N°4 is a fully off-dry wine (with 33 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit harvested from the Scheidterberg and Sonnenberg side hills. It offers a rather undercooled nose made of fern, herbs, vineyard peach, mirabelle, earthy spices, and smoky elements. The wine reveals more of the green herbs on the palate. Far from disturbing, they add freshness to the beautifully mouthwatering palate. The finish is still slightly firm and beautifully zesty. Now-2031”

Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2021 750ml $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2021er Kupp Kabinett N°8, as it is referred to in the central part of the label, was made from fruit picked at 79° Oechsle on the original Kupp hill, and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (46 g/l). It offers a superb nose of whipped cream, fern, cassis, gooseberry, and smoky slate. The wine is hugely vibrant, intense, and yet remarkably light-footed on the zesty palate and leaves a remarkably feel of fruits and herbs in the finish. The aftertaste is all about zesty tension which adds presence and intensity to the hugely lemony and fruity flavors. What a stunning Kabinett in the making! 2031-2051”

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Peter Lauer ‘Kern’ Ayler Kupp Fass 9 Riesling, Mosel 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2021er “Kern” N°9, as it is referred to in the central part of the label, is a fully off-dry wine (with 33 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit picked in a complete cross section (bottom to top) of a prime south-west-facing old-vine parcel (called Kern) situated well into the side valley on the original Ayler Kupp hill. It offers a superbly creamy nose made of vineyard peach, pear, green apple, whipped cream, smoke, and fine spices. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate driven by zesty acidity, fruity sorbet, and beautifully creamy elements. The finish is racy, focused, and hugely persistent. This is a gorgeous almost fruity-styled tasting Saar Riesling! Now-2036.”

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Peter Lauer Neuenberg Fass 17 Riesling, Mosel 2021 750ml $56.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “The 2021er Neuenberg N°17, as it is referred to in the central part of the label, is a barely off-dry wine (with 11 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit picked in this prime Lieu-Dit forming the south-southwest facing, central part of the original Kupp hill (at the foot of the hill). It offers a rather backward nose made of mirabelle, herbs, and fine spices. The wine is beautifully focused and airy on the palate and leaves a stunning feel of fresh zesty herbs and earthy spices in the long finish. The overall feel is one of irresistible intensity and feather-lightness. This off-dry wine now needs to shed its primary reduction and reveal its goods, which should happen in a year or so. 2023-2031.”

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Peter Lauer Schonfels Kabinett Riesling, Mosel 2021 750ml $56.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2021er Schonfels Kabinett, as it is referred to in the central part of the label, was made from fruit harvested at 80° Oechsle in this steep, south-east facing Lieu-Dit overseeing the Saar, and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (52 g/l). It offers a superb nose of pear, fine spices, a touch of whipped cream, starfruit, aniseed herbs, and smoke. The wine is stunningly vibrant on the palate, where green herbs, citrusy elements, and vineyard peach seem to dance with the kick of acidity. The finish is racy, vibrant, and gorgeously balanced as pear and lemon sorbet interplays with herbs and chalky minerals. The aftertaste is all about lightness and intensity. This Kabinett is a delight! 2026-2041.”

Peter Lauer ‘Stirn’ Ayler Kupp Fass 15 Riesling, Mosel 2021 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2021er “Stirn” N°15, as it is referred to in the central part of the label, is a fully off-dry wine (with 34 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit picked in the prime south-west-facing, upper-front part of the original Ayler Kupp hill. It offers a beautiful nose made of herbs, gooseberry, citrusy fruits, wet stone, smoke, and aniseed herbs. Great zing is beautifully balanced out by fruity and creamy elements on the palate. The finish is vibrant, racy, and hugely playful. This almost fruity-styled tasting Saar Riesling is a great success! Now-2036.”

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Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Unterstenberg Fass 12 Riesling, Mosel 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2021er Unterstenberg N°12, as it is referred to in the central part of the label, is a barely off-dry wine (with 8 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit picked in the similarly-named prime Lieu-Dit forming the south-southwest facing, front part of the original Kupp hill (at the foot of the hill). It offers a beautiful nose made of mirabelle, grapefruit, a hint of earthy spices, herbal elements, a dash of whipped cream, and quite some smoke. A creaminess adds a smooth and off-dry side to the palate. This is then gradually wrapped up into zesty acidity in the long and multi-layered finish. The aftertaste is precise, airy, and incredibly persistent. This (barely) off-dry Saar wine is a real winner. 2023-2031.”

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Domaine Rapet

Domaine Rapet is a historic producer in the Cote de Beaune, yet one that remains under the radar—and underpriced—to this day. Based in Pernand-Vergelesses, which is a village we always look to for exceptional value in Burgundy, they’re known for an understated, classically elegant style.

These are fantastic bottles for anyone who loves Burgundy—with beautifully pure fruit and a very light touch on the oak front. The 2018’s reflect the outstanding, solar nature of the year with more accessible personalities and a bit more body, making them perfect to drink over the next ten years or so.

In Stock Now:

Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ML $75 special, 13 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves is showing especially well, mingling aromas of cassis and cherries with hints of forest floor and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and lively, its deep core of fruit is underpinned by fine-grained tannins and lively acids. This will reward a bit of bottle age.”
Winery note “A great Burgundy red wine from the Beaune commune. The grape variety used is Pinot Noir. This more than 50 year old parcel, on a very steep slope, is gradually revealing its potential to produce great wines. Grèves de Bourgogne, as the Graves du Médoc, designates a scree slope of small stones, gravelly and sandy soil, particularly ideal for wine-growing.”

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Domaine Rapet Pere & Fils Les Cent Vignes, Beaune Premier Cru 2018 $59 special, 17 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “More reserved than the exuberant Bressandes, Rapet’s 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Cents Vignes unfurls in the glass with notes of cherries, raspberries, spices and rich soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and succulent, this has promising aging potential.”
Winery note “This ‘climat’* on a gentle slope is characterized by a brown, very filtering limestone soil, mixed with clay and sand. The Pinot Noir expresses itself marvellously, blending the smoothness and roundness of the Beaunes with the force, richness and depth of the cellaring wines, the ‘vins de garde’.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune 2018 750ML $33 special, 36 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Often confused with the 1er Cru “Aux Fourneaux,” this is a single-parcel village-level wine.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89+ points “Aromas of dark berries, blood orange and rich soil tones introduce the 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Fourneaux, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and textural wine that’s ample and generous, underpinned by a muscular chassis of ripe, powdery tannin. This will need time, but it possesses fine potential.”
Winery note “The importance of this commune resides in the size of it’s surface and the number of renowned climats. Our Savigny-les-Beaune comes from the “les Fournaux” climat, characterized by a deep and ferruginous ground. The wines are coloured, elegant, quite powerful, marked by a dominant of Morello cherries, black currant, raspberry, then subsequently developing notes of undergrowth after some years. Savigny-les-Beaune is delicate with discreet tannins.”

Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses Les Belles Filles 2019 750ml $44 special, 11 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2019 Pernand-Vergelesses Les Belles Filles opens in the glass with notes of sweet berry fruit, cherries and cassis, complemented by an elegant top note of orange rind. Medium-bodied, melting and elegantly gourmand, it’s bright and charming, concluding with a perfumed finish.”

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Stellar Salvioni

You’ve heard of iconic Brunello’s like Biondi Santi but Salvioni should also be on your radar. With less than 10 acres or 1/5th of their property planted to grapevines, pampered doesn’t begin to cover the winegrowing philosophy. Grown at over 1,200 feet above sea level, there is a near constant breeze that assists in maintaining acidity and reducing disease pressure. The confluence of breezes and high elevation ensure that freshness is maintained even in exactingly hot vintages like 2017. The resulting wines combine jammy ripeness with lifted acidity, almost Napa-esque. In order to maximize the power of their old vines, yields are highly reduced and spend more than the required time in vat and bottle.

In Stock Now from Salvioni:

Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ml $219 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Cellar Selection. Absolutely stunning, this gorgeous red has enticing aromas of wild rose, forest berries, new leather and camphor. Full-bodied and delicious, the smooth, structured palate is all about flavor, focus and finesse, doling out succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper notes framed in tightly knit, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Beautiful now and will continue to age and develop even more complexity for years to come”.
Eric Guido-Vinous 97+ points “The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino slowly comes to life, opening with a smoky, brooding and dark bouquet. It first unleashes its florals with crushed roses and hints of geranium, then deepens to reveal black cherry and raspberry, and finally a chorus of tobacco and wild herbs. You could lose yourself in the glass. The 2016 is incredibly silky and textural, displaying a youthful density that tempts the imagination while casting a savory display of mineral-tinged dark fruits, more black than red, with hints of dried orange and exotic spice. A saturation of fine tannin awaits on the finish, previously masked by the Salvioni’s primary power, as a mix of sage and hints of licorice slowly fade. There is so much potential here; but today, the 2016 is in dire need of cellaring. I tasted the 2016 multiple times over the course of two days and it didn’t budge.”

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Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ml $199 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino La Cerbaiola grows in intensity in the glass, with delicate aromas that are especially floral and light in character. Instead of blackberry or blackcurrant, this elegant wine delivers cassis and cranberry. Instead of overt spice, you get licorice, balsam herb and camphor ash. The Salvioni house style is ethereal and light, and although that extra vintage ripeness and concentration does register on the palate, farming and winemaking at this estate puts an emphasis on acidity over power or structure. These choices were particularly important in 2017.”

Salvioni Cerbaiola Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino leads off with a zesty, fresh display of Sangiovese fruit, as a mix of cherry and strawberry is complemented by hints of sweet spice, leather and gorgeous exotic florals. On the palate, I’m finding a wonderfully pure expression, focused on ripe red fruits with energizing acids and subtle spice, as pretty inner rose develops toward the close. Hints of fine tannin and minerals mingle throughout the finish, and a staining of black cherry lingers on and on. What a beautiful, feminine, and truly enjoyable vintage for the Salvioni Rosso.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 93 points “Medium bright red. Candied raspberry, blueberry, and flowers on the nose and in the mouth. Suave but still youthfully tight, vibrant and perfumed on the long steely finish. A bright Rosso that finishes clean and seamless, featuring terrific cut and length.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Giulio Salvioni’s 2018 Rosso di Montalcino La Cerbaiola is a silky and fine expression of Sangiovese, a welterweight offering that jabs with little punches of wild berry, tilled soil and blue flower. This Rosso accomplishes an important feat here: It is not a less intense expression of the mighty Tuscan grape, but rather a more nuanced one. That’s exactly what a top-ranked Rosso di Montalcino should be. We’re not looking for that characteristic Brunello power. This wine instead provides us with an approachable yet pleasurable experience, packed tight with varietal and territorial purity. This release weighed in at a relatively sprightly 10,133 bottles.”

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Collector’s Corner:

2017 Produttori Crus

“I’ve written this many times before, but it bears repeating: Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy’s ultimate values for your money.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Produttori del Barbaresco is revered for producing classically-styled Barbaresco and Riservas of uncompromising quality and transparency. It’s a miracle that these wines are still affordable and available, especially when compared to the skyrocketing prices of Barolo.

You’d be hard-pressed to find such consistent quality and complexity out of such an extensive range of single-vineyard Nebbiolos anywhere else. 2017 is being compared to the legendary 2015 harvest, with a warm and dry growing season against cool nights and timely rains making for ripe but not overwrought wines. This was on account of the season’s early warmth, which contributed to smaller leaves during the vegetative growth period according to Gaia Gaja of the eponymous cult label. The smaller leaves meant for slower sugar accumulation, resulting in wines that were able to maintain balance.

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Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml $89 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The Produttori del Barbaresco 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is especially broad and thick in texture. It feels generous to the senses, wrapping thickly over the palate with a pretty mix of firm tannins and soft fruit fiber. These elements help to increase both the volume and the persistence of this classic wine. There is some dryness on the finish (and 15% alcohol), and you also taste crushed mineral and stone. Production is 10,000 bottles. I give this wine an edge in terms of future aging potential.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Montefico is one of the stand-outs in this range. It shows the piercing tannins typical of this site, and yet has more than enough fruit to balance those tannins, certainly moreso than wines like the Rabajà. This exposed site benefits from cooling winds from the north, clearly a benefit in 2017. Even in the early going, the balance here is terrific. In 2017, the Montefico is one of the clear stand outs in the range.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Marked by plum and menthol, this also has elements of iron, tar and tobacco. Muscular and brooding, with a strong grip of tannins on the finish. Best from 2026 through 2043. —B.S.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml $75 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 1.5L $169 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is darkly concentrated and among the richest wines in this series of single-vineyard Riservas. Montestefano is angular, textured and bold with dark fruit aromas, dried blackberry, toasted almond and cured tobacco. With this vintage, you get an age-worthy wine that offers brawn and power for drinking in the medium term, but it will become increasingly silky and slender with time. Dusty tannins and crushed stone appear on the long finish. There were 14,486 bottles produced.”
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is a potent, savory wine. Today, the fruit is very much in the background. A brooding, backward Barbaresco, the Montestefano clearly needs time, it is a somber, imposing Barbaresco. Dark plum, earthiness, cloves, menthol and licorice infuse the finish with notable gravitas. There’s plenty of Montestefano breadth and resonance.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ML $85 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Presents a bright, pure expression of cherry, strawberry, rose and grassy aromas and flavors underscored by a vein of minerality, with tannins that flex their muscles on the long finish. Intense but balanced, with tension that bodes well for future evolution. Best from 2026 through 2043. —B.S.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota plays some of its best cards in terms of texture, offering silky tannins, firmness and a long-lasting veil of fruit flavors. Cassis, wild cherry, camphor ash, spice and iron ore are aromatic protagonists. This wine is lean and compact but very linear and focused. Like the other Riservas in this group of new releases, the wine is fermented in steel and aged in large oak casks for 32 months. 10,000 bottles were produced.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml $85 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 1.5L $179 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Taut and sinewy, boasting cherry, black currant, grass, iron and tar notes. Powerful tannins drive the finish, which is compact for now. In the end, this is lightly astringent, but has plenty of drive and should find equilibrium with time. Best from 2026 through 2043. —B.S.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Paje Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is impressive on all fronts, but especially in terms of aromas. There’s so much brightness here with red and purple fruits, rust and a dark note of clove or exotic spice. No element is out of place, but together they help to build the intensity of this balanced wine. It shows a soft, velvety texture, and perhaps there is a little more ripeness overall in this warm vintage. Production is 6,666 bottles.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is a fine choice for readers who enjoy wines of freshness, verve and energy. Dark fruit, menthol, spice, pine and crushed rocks are beautifully delineated. This is an especially chiseled wine in the range of 2017 Riservas. I very much like the balance of richness and vibrancy. In a word: classic.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Leads with a whiff of freshly mown hay, which leads to cherry, currant, tar and eucalyptus flavors. Linear and chewy, with hints of underbrush and iron on the lingering finish. Best from 2025 through 2042. —B.S.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Pora Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml $75 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pora (with 13,333 bottles released) is usually the first wine I taste each year when I review this set of Riservas from Produttori del Barbaresco. That’s because it usually appears as the most delicate, and the intensity of each successive bottle increases after this one. But these schematics are a bit more difficult to align in a hot and dry vintage such as this that produced richer and more succulent fruit across the board. The Pora is redolent of red and purple fruit with a little more blackberry and plum compared to previous editions. The tannic strength of the wine is also more elaborate. Pora works very well in 2017.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is rich, creamy and layered, with a bit more generosity than is typically the case. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice and rose petal are amplified in a radiant, open-knit Barbaresco that will start drinking well in a few years’ time.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A rich, fruity version, this Barbaresco exudes ripe cherry fruit augmented by accents of tar, mint, earth and spice. Firms up nicely on the finish, yet stays fresh and energetic. Best from 2024 through 2040. —B.S.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml $85 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 1.5L $189 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The Produttori del Barbaresco 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is another spectacular release from this cooperative winery that hits it out of the ballpark with each set of new releases. That impressive track record includes this wine that delivers extreme focus, depth and integrity. The bouquet is very clear cut with dark cherry, tart plum, spice and blood orange, but it is also complex and fluid. It offers new perspectives with each swirl of the glass. From a hot vintage, the Rabajà is smooth, powerful and balanced. I would bet on long aging for this bottle. 14,438 bottles were produced.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Dense, featuring fruit flavors of plum, cherry and raspberry, with accents of tar, eucalyptus and iron. A powerful red that needs time to resolve the muscular tannins, with plenty of ripe fruit coursing underneath. Best from 2026 through 2043. —B.S.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is a potent, searingly tannic wine that will need a few years to come together. Brooding and backward, even for young Rabajà, the 2017 is painfully young today. It will be interesting to see what time brings. Today, the 2017 is a real powerhouse. Black fruit, menthol, licorice, melted road tar, game and menthol develop in the glass, but only with great reluctance.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml $75 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Delivers depth and velvety texture, which are a perfect foil for the saturated cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Underlined by mineral and spice notes, this is harmonious and long, with a mineral aftertaste. Feels approachable now, but this has structure and will age beautifully. Best from 2025 through 2043. —B.S.”

Bonus Bottling: 2018 Barbaresco Normale:

When the stars don’t quite align in Barbaresco, when even just one vineyard of the Cooperative’s line up doesn’t quite, well, line up, Produttori del Barbaresco uses all of its renowned and glorious fruit in its normale bottling. In 2018, instead of bottling the single vineyard Riservas of, say, Rabaja, Montestefano, Ovello and friends, all of the best (and rigorously selected) fruit went into their straight Barbaresco bottling. This is an incredible opportunity that collectors in the know jump on. For you, this means the top notch grapes are available at more every day pricing. Added bonus? This wine doesn’t need two decades in the cellar to shine.

Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ML $44.50 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Packaged in its distinctive brown paper label, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2018 Barbaresco is a beautifully lean and luminous expression of Nebbiolo, and that pretty color should remain intact over time. The aromas are bold and ripe with dark and purple fruit, but the bouquet shows interesting twists with earth, truffle, licorice and grilled herb. As the wine opens in the glass, you begin to notice heavier aromas of raisin and dried apricot. It wears a warm-vintage signature for sure, and for that reason, I would suggest a shorter drinking window for the 2018. With an ample 300,000 bottles made, you get a great value with this bottle.”
James Suckling 93 points “Lovely barbaresco, with all the typical nebbiolo characteristics, such as red berries, mushrooms and dried leaves, as well as hints of bitter orange peel and spice. All this follows through to the medium-to full-bodied palate, where fine, lightly firm tannins add a little grip and additional focus. Compact, but bursting with flavor. Delicious now, but give it a year or two. It will only get better.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The 2018 Barbaresco is an attractive, open-knit wine to drink now and over the next 10-15 years, maybe more. In 2018 the Produttori did not bottle their Riservas. Instead, all of the best lots of those grapes went into the straight Barbaresco bottling, another in a long string of successes from this historic house. Dark cherry, cedar, tobacco and spice fill out the layers. There is good depth and a good deal of tannin too, just not the complexity or nuance of the very best years.”

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Be well & drink well.